Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Edited by Edward A. Greenfield



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Standard Immunization of Mice, Rats, and Hamsters

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Mice, rats, or hamsters are given biweekly injections of a purified antigen, cultured cells, or cDNA. Adjuvants (Freund's, Ribi, Hunter's TiterMax, ImmunEasy, or Alum) are mixed with the immunizing antigen for the first two immunizations only. Complete Freund's adjuvant is only used with the first immunization. Subsequent immunizations are performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or normal saline, with or without Incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The choice of adjuvant is dependent on the subclass of immunoglobulin required. The gauge of the needle is kept as small as possible (usually 23 gauge) to minimize discomfort of the animal. Over the course of the 6-wk immunization schedule, each mouse usually receives a total of six injections (three subcutaneous and three intraperitoneal).

Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Second edition
Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Second edition
Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Second edition

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