5-BROMO-2┤-DU LABELING/DETECTION KIT I

General description

The kit is used for the detection of BrdU incorporated into cellular DNA using immunofluorescence microscopy. It is used for the detection of DNA synthesis by either in vitro labeling of cells or organ cultures, or by in vivo labeling, in which frozen or paraffin-embedded tissue sections must be prepared prior to fixation.
Normally, binding of the antibody is only achieved by denaturation of the DNA. This is usually obtained by exposing the cells to acid, base, or heat. These procedures result in destruction of cell integrity, including cell morphology and surface and cytoplasmatic markers.
The BrdU Labeling and Detection Kit I avoids these problems. The antibody preparation contains specific nucleases which allows access to BrdU after fixation in acidic ethanol. Therefore also simultaneous detection of other markers (double staining) is possible.

Specificity

Anti-BrdU monoclonal antibody specifically binds to 5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine, and shows cross-reactivity with 5-iodo-2′-deoxy-uridine (10%). Anti-BrdU shows no cross-reactivity with 5-fluoro-2′-deoxy-uridine or any endogenous cellular component, such as thymidine or uridine.

Application

Samples prelabeled with BrdU are fixed with ethanol, then incubated with a monoclonal antibody to BrdU. The antibody to BrdU supplied with the kit contains an optimized mixture of nucleases. These nucleases generate single-stranded DNA fragments, which allow binding of the antibody to BrdU without destruction of the cellular morphology. A fluorescein-labeled antibody to mouse immunoglobulin is added, then bound to the anti-BrdU antibody. Subsequently, the sample is evaluated using an immunofluorescence microscope.

• Safe: No radioisotopes are used
• Easy to perform: Follows a standard immunofluorescence protocol
• Sensitive: Denaturation of DNA with nucleases allows for highly sensitive detection of BrdU
• Flexible: Allows double-labeling protocols

BrdU Labeling and Detection Kit has been used for the detection of 5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) incorporated into cellular DNA.

Packaging

1 kit containing 5 components.

Preparation Note

Cell proliferation may be studied by monitoring the incorporation of a radioisotope, [3H]-thymidine, into cellular DNA, followed by autoradiography. Alternatively, 5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) may be used instead of thymidine. Cells that have incorporated BrdU into DNA are easily detected using a monoclonal antibody against BrdU and an enzyme- or fluorochrome-conjugated second antibody.
Working solution: BrdU labeling medium
Dilute BrdU labeling reagent 1:1000 with sterile cell culture medium (final concentration 10μM).
Note: For in vivo labeling undiluted BrdU labeling reagent (1 to 2ml/100 g body weight) is needed.
Prepare shortly before use.
Anti-BrdU working solution
Dilute anti-BrdU solution 1:10 with Incubation buffer.
Prepare shortly before use.
Anti-mouse-Ig-fluorescein stock solution
Dissolve anti-mouse-Ig-fluorescein solution in 1ml double-dist. water.
Anti-mouse-Ig-fluorescein working solution
Dilute anti-mouse Ig-fluorescein stock solution 1:10 with PBS. If an extended storage is desired, add BSA (bovine serum albumin), 10 mg/ml.
Prepare shortly before use.
Washing buffer
Dilute Washing buffer concentrate (10x) (bottle 2) 1:10 with double-dist. water.
Storage conditions (working solution): BrdU labeling medium
Store undiluted (1000x) medium in aliquots at -15 to -25°C.
Anti-BrdU working solution
Store undiluted antibody at -15 to -25°C.
Anti-mouse-Ig-fluorescein stock solution
Stable at 2 to 8°C
Washing buffer
Stable at 2 to 8°C
Sample material: Cell culture: adherent cells, suspension cells, organ, or explant cultures. Tissue sections (after in vivo labeling with BrdU).

Other Notes

For life science research only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.