access Protocols

Category: Drosophila Protocols

Protocol for antibody addition to Drosophila specimens and detection using fluorochrome-linked reagents. Fluorochrome-linked reagents should be used when high resolution is needed or if two antigens need to be localized simultaneously. Because of the thickness of fly specimens, detection requires access to a confocal microscope. - [Read Antibody Addition to Drosophila Specimens and Detection Using Fluorochrome-Linked Reagents Protocol]

Category: Microscopy Protocols: Live-Cell Imaging Protocols

Manual measurement and manipulation of the cell surface requires access to the cells, usually in an open chamber. Temperature-controlled chambers or stage inserts are preferred for maintaining physiological activity during the experiment. For example, heated culture dishes with coverslip glass bottoms (Bioptechs) permit high-resolution fluorescence microscopy of living cells during force application. - [Read Chambers for Examination of Live Cells under Mechanical Stress Protocol]

Category: Cell Biology and Cell Culture: Flow Cytometry Protocols: Intracellular Ion Measurement Protocols

Describes flow cytometric protocols using the dyes Indo-1 AM, Fluo-3, and Fura Red AM to measure intracellular calcium concentration. Support protocols detail the use of calcium buffers to calibrate a flow cytometric calcium assay, and methods to facilitate dye loading; an alternate protocol describes the use of a spectrofluorimeter to measure intracellular calcium for those investigators without access to a flow cytometer. - [Read Measurement of Intracellular Ions by Flow Cytometry Protocol]

Category: Cytogenetics Protocols

An ideal method of tissue preparation ensures both good specimen morphology and that the target molecules are in the optimum state for probe access and hybridization. DNA:DNA in situ hybridization is usually carried out on chromosome spread preparations where chromosome and nuclei are released from cells and spread on a glass microscope slide. This method yields well separated and enlarged chromosomes with good morphology which can be analyzed in transmitted light or fluorescence microscopes. - [Read Preparation of Chromosome Spreads]

Category: Immunohistochemistry Protocols: Antigen Retrieval Protocols

Several methods have been developed to "retrieve" antigens that have been masked by fixation. The principle behind using the microwave oven method described here is to use extended periods of heat to break some of the subcellular structures that block antibody access. Be aware that any of the antigen retrieval methods should be avoided wherever possible, because they may introduce artifactual false-positive staining. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes Using the Microwave Oven Protocol]

Category: Immunohistochemistry Protocols: Antigen Retrieval Protocols

The principle behind the pressure cooker method described here is to use extended periods of heat to break some of the subcellular structures that block antibody access. This approach is appropriate for handling specimens on glass slides. The major advantages of the pressure cooker method are the ability to handle a large number of slides simultaneously, the convenience of using metal racks, and the avoidance of any hot spots that are found in the microwave. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes Using the Pressure Cooker Protocol]

Category: Immunohistochemistry Protocols: Antigen Retrieval Protocols

Fixation can mask epitopes. However, it is often possible to re-expose them using a gentle incubation with proteases, which removes obstructing structures and allows antibody access, as described here. Many proteases can be used for this procedure, including very crude preparations of proteases, such as pronase. However, using a better-characterized protease, such as trypsin, allows a more controlled reaction and better comparison between experiments. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes with Proteases Protocol]

Category: Mouse Protocols: Mouse Reproductive System Surgery Protocols

Protocol describes a method for vasectomy in which the vas deferens is accessed through the abdominal wall. Mice are ready for mating after ~10-14 days. Vasectomized males can be bred with fertile females to obtain plugs for timed matings. The pseudopregnant females can then be used for oviduct and uterine transfers. For an alternative protocol, see Vasectomy for Generation of Sterile Males: Access via Scrotal Sac. - [Read Vasectomy for Generation of Sterile Males: Access via Abdominal Wall Protocol]

Category: Mouse Protocols: Mouse Reproductive System Surgery Protocols

Protocol describes a method for vasectomy in which the vas deferens is accessed through the scrotal sac. Mice are ready for mating after ~10-14 days. Vasectomized males can be bred with fertile females to obtain plugs for timed matings. The pseudopregnant females can then be used for oviduct and uterine transfers. - [Read Vasectomy for Generation of Sterile Mouse Males: Access via Scrotal Sac Protocols]