Immunological systems analysis

Madonna et al. evaluated an immunologically based trapping/collection system to isolate bacteria prior to MALDI-MS analysis.27 Figure 14.6 illus-... 

Immunotoxicity. There are currently no data on the effects of 2-hexanone on the human immune system via any route of exposure. Animal data included an inhalation study in which there was a 40% decrease in peripheral white blood cells in rats exposed to 2-hexanone (Katz et al. 1980). In addition, 2,5-hexanedione, a metabolite of 2-hexanone, was shown to adversely affect lymphoid organs of the immune system in rats and to cause impairment of immunity in mice (Upreti and Shanker 1987). Immunological assessments, including analysis of peripheral blood components and effects on lymphoid tissue, conducted as part of intermediate-or chronic-duration studies and skin sensitization tests would be useful in developing a dose-response relationship and assessing the potential risk to chronically exposed persons in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites or to exposed workers. 

Several successful attempts were done to transfer classical CEIA to a microchip-based format. This kind of miniaturization is a trend that can overcome the limitations of CE in high-throughput systems. On-chip CE offers both parallel analysis of samples and short separation times. Koutny et al. showed the use of an immunoassay on-chip (32). In this competitive approach fluorescein-labeled cortisol was used to detect unlabeled cortisol spiked to serum (Fig. 8). The system showed good reproducibility and robustness even in this problematic kind of sample matrix. Using serum cortisol standards calibration and quantification is possible in a working range of clinical interest. This example demonstrated that microchip electrophoretic systems are analytical devices suitable for immunological assays that can compete with common techniques. 

An introduction to the current techniques and methods of analytical and preparative biochemistry. In addition to the core methodologies of sample preparation, separation and analysis, the authors discuss the application of immunological and biophysical approaches to the study of biochemical systems, as well as advising on biochemical literature, equipment and safety aspects of laboratory work. 

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