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Flow Cytometry Protocols
Direct and indirect staining, staining of intracellular antigens, permeabilization and cell preparation protocols
The flow cytometry protocols below provide detailed procedures for the treatment and staining of cells prior to using a flow cytometer.
Protocols are available for:
- Direct staining of cells applicable where the fluorophore is directly linked to the primary antibody
- Indirect staining of cells applicable when using unconjugated or biotin-conjugated monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies
- Intracellular staining methods for intracellular antigens and cytokines
- DNA staining for cell cycle analysis
- Cell preparation
Direct Staining Flow Cytometry Protocols
This is one of the simplest and most common staining methods, where live or fixed cells are incubated with directly labeled antibodies against cell surface antigens
Indirect Staining Flow Cytometry Protocols
If there is not a directly labeled antibody available, or you wish to amplify your signal you can do indirect staining. This is where you stain a cell with a primary antibody against the antigen of interest and visualize using a labeled secondary antibody which recognizes the primary.
Intracellular Staining Flow Cytometry Protocols
In order to detect antigen not present on the cell surface, cells have to be fixed and permeabilized to disrupt the cell membrane and allow entry of the antibody. Antigens can be then directly or indirectly labeled. Various methods are optimal depending on the antigen and antibody used.
- Direct staining of intracellular antigens: Leucoperm Accessory Reagent method
- Direct staining of intracellular CD68: Leucoperm Accessory Reagent method
- Direct immunofluorescence staining of intracellular cytokines in blood
- Direct immunofluorescence staining of intracellular antigens: Methanol plus Leucoperm Accessory Reagent method
- Direct immunofluorescence staining of intracellular antigens: Digitonin method
- Direct immunofluorescence of intracellular antigens: Paraformaldehyde / Saponin method
Cell Cycle Staining Flow Cytometry Protocols
Measuring DNA content for cell cycle analysis requires fixation and permeabilization of the nuclear membrane. We have protocols for staining using DNA binding dyes with and without antibody staining and a protocol for BrdU staining.
Cell Preparation Flow Cytometry Protocols
Below are protocols for harvesting cells from various sources to obtain healthy cells, essential for optimal staining and analysis.
Cell Activation Protocols
General activation protocols using pharmacological reagents and antibodies. Ideal to determine immune competence, marker upregulation, cytokine release and proliferation by flow cytometry.
