Rabbit antibody to guinea pig MBP (68-86): whole serum

Myelin is a membrane characteristic of the nervous tissue and functions as an insulator to increase the velocity of the stimuli being transmitted between a nerve cell body and its target. Myelin isolated from human and bovine nervous tissue is composed of approximately 80% lipid and 20% protein, and 30% of the protein fraction constitutes myelin basic protein (MBP). MBP is an 'intrinsically unstructured' protein with a high proportion (approximately 75%) of random coil, but postulated to have core elements of beta-sheet and alpha-helix. MBP is a major protein in CNS myelin and is expressed specifically in the nervous system. A detailed immunochemical examination of monoclonal and polyclonal antibody responses to MBP and its peptides has revealed the existence of as many as 27 antigenic determinants, many of them conformational. Topological mapping of the potential antigenic determinants onto a model of MBP secondary structure places these determinants within 11 separate regions of the molecule, including those portions that have been found to be encephalitogenic. The message for myelin basic protein is selectively translocated to the ends of the cell processes. Immunization with myelin-associated antigens including MBP significantly promotes recovery after spinal cord contusion injury in the rat model. FUNCTION: Is, with PLP, the most abundant protein component of the myelin membrane in the CNS. Has a role in both the formation and stabilization of this compact multilayer arrangement of bilayers. Each splice variant and charge isomer may have a specialized function in the assembly of an optimized, biochemically functional myelin membrane (By similarity). SUBUNIT: Homodimer (By similarity). SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Myelin membrane, peripheral membrane protein, cytoplasmic side. Cytoplasmic side of myelin. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Found in both the central and the peripheral nervous system.

After reconstitution keep aliquots at -20AC for a higher stability, and at 4AC with an appropriate antibacterial agent. Glycerol (1:1) may be added for an additional stability. Avoid repetitive freeze/thaw cycles.

Lyophilised

This antiserum reacts with human and rat MBP.

This antiserum recognizes MBP in demyelinated nerve tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis of lesioned rat spinal cord indictaes a high level of specificity for this antiserum.