Monoclonal Antibody Ascites Fluid Production
Background
Monoclonal antibodies are exceptionally powerful research tools and also have potential clinical uses. Ascites is an ideal method for producing monoclonal antibodies in a highly concentrated and stable form. Many cell lines that are difficult to scale up into cell culture systems perform very well in ascites production. It is well known that antibody concentration is much greater in ascites fluid than in cell culture supernatant, thus simplifying purification. Animals, usually mice (BALB/c and CAF1), may be involved in two phases of the monoclonal antibody production process. Other strains including athymic nudes or SCIDS are available upon request. Up to 6000 mice can be injected from expansion of a single vial of cells (5 X 106).
Phase 1: Cell culture scale up prior to injection
- Frozen vials of cells and/or live cultures provided by the client
- Media prepared to client's specifications
- Mycoplasma testing available
- Cryopreservation and Cell Banking services are available
- Cell culture media and supplements used are of U.S. Origin
Pristane, the most commonly used priming agent for ascites production, is believed to act by inducing a glaucomatous reaction and by interfering with peritoneal fluid drainage. Priming with agents other than pristane must be specifically justified in the Animal Use Approval Form which is submitted to the IACUC for review.
Phase 3: Analysis- All lots are analyzed by gel electrophoresis, densitometry and protein assay.
- Data is entered on Specification Sheet and into MDS Lot Analysis database.
- A chart is created for a batch record.
- Purification services are also available at your request.