Studies on the immune response and preparation of antibodies against a large panel of conjugated neurotransmitters and biogenic amines: specific polyclonal antibody response and tolerance

J Neurochem. 2010 Feb;112(3):829-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06492.x. Epub 2009 Nov 13.

Abstract

We described the production and characterization of antibodies against three important groups of neuro-active haptens, e.g., neurotransmitters and biogenic amines. First, from the tryptophane metabolic pathway: tryptamine, serotonin, 5-hydroxy-indole acetic acid, and melatonin. Secondly, the tyrosine metabolic pathway: tyramine, dopamine, dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid, and norepinephrine. Thirdly, antibodies against excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters: glycine, glutamate, glutamine, and GABA. Immunogenic conjugates were prepared after linking haptens to carrier proteins. Most antibodies displayed high specificity against corresponding neuro-active haptens conjugated in vitro and in situ in biological specimens, but not to closely related conjugated metabolites, precursors, pharmaceuticals, agonists, antagonists, or free neuro-active haptens. Conjugated norepinephrine was highly tolerant in different animal species and produced incidentally a short specific antibody response.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology*
  • Antibodies / metabolism
  • Antibody Formation / physiology*
  • Antibody Specificity / immunology
  • Biogenic Amines / immunology*
  • Biogenic Amines / metabolism
  • Cross Reactions / immunology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Haptens / immunology
  • Immunization / methods
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / immunology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Biogenic Amines
  • Haptens
  • Neurotransmitter Agents