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Immunological Diagnostics |
Mystic Aquarium offers immunological testing for both routine analysis and research projects.
For further information or to submit samples please contact: Tracy Spoon
Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic CT 06355
Phone: 860-572-5955 x 139
Fax: 860-572-5972 Available Tests: Immunophenotyping: CD4, CD8 Procedure: Lymphoid cells are labeled with antibodies to dolphin CD4 or CD8. The percentage of cells expressing these molecules is measured by flow cytometry Samples accepted: dolphin whole blood; 1-2 sodium heparin 10ml vacutainer tube Sample storage: 4°C; sample must be shipped on day of collection Sample shipment: ship overnight on day of collection on ice Test days: when sufficient numbers of samples are received Minimum Test time: 3 days Phagocytosis/Respiratory Burst Procedure: Phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of granulocytes and monocytes are measured using propidium iodide labeled, heat-killed S. aureus coupled with a cell-permeant indicator for reactive oxygen species and subsequent analysis by flow cytometry. Samples accepted: cetacean whole blood; 1 sodium heparin 10ml vacutainer tube Sample storage: 4°C; sample must be shipped on day of collection Sample shipment: ship overnight on day of collection on ice Test days: upon receipt of samples Minimum Test time: 2 days Lymphocyte Proliferation: Procedure: BrdU is incorporated into cytokine-stimulated lymphocytes and measured by an ELISA assay. Lymphocyte proliferation is proportional to the amount of BrdU incorporated into the DNA of cytokine-stimulated cells as compared to unstimulated control cells. Samples accepted: cetacean whole blood; 2 sodium heparin 10ml vacutainer tubes Sample storage: 4°C; sample must be shipped on day of collection Sample shipment: ship overnight on day of collection on ice Test days: when sufficient numbers of samples are received Minimum Test time: 3 days Natural Killer Cell Activity: Procedure: Target cells (Yac-1) are pre-labeled with dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine perchlorate and incubated with cetacean natural killer cells. Target cell death is measured by flow cytometry following propidium iodide staining. Natural killer cell activity is proportional to the percentage of dead target cells. Samples accepted: cetacean whole blood; 2 sodium heparin 10ml vacutainer tubes Sample storage: 4°C until shipment; must be shipped day of collection Sample shipment: ship overnight on ice Test days: upon receipt of samples Minimum Test time: 2 daysDISCLAIMER
These are research-based tests that are currently under development and validation. Therefore, the results of these assays should be interpreted with caution. Performance characteristics of these assays have not yet been determined under all conditions and clinical circumstances. It is up to the discretion of each submitting facility to decide how to use the results of these tests. |
Aquatic Research 
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