Preparation and specificity of avian anti-GM 2(NeuGc) ganglioside antiserum

Abstract

Antibodies to N-glycolyl neuraminic acid-containing GM 2 ganglioside, GM 2(NeuGc), were prepared by immunizing chickens. The specificity of the antibodies was examined by the double immunodiffusion test and solid-phase radioimmunoassy (RIA). One(C-4) of two antisera produced did not cross-react with GM 3(NeuGc) but the other(C-3) did as assessed by the double immunodiffusion test. In RIA, the antibody activity of C-4 antiserum was detected only in the IgG fraction. Specificity of the serum was examined using authentic glycolipids which were structurally related to GM 2(NeuGc). The antiserum showed a high specificity for the homologous ganglioside by either an RIA or an inhibition assay. This antiserum is a useful tool for the detection of GM 2(NeuGc) in human and animal tissues under normal and/or disease condition.