This antibody is a polyclonal immunoglobulin produced in rabbits against canine IgG, conjugated with FITC to enable fluorescent detection . It targets either:
The FITC conjugate emits fluorescence at 494 nm excitation / 514 nm emission, enabling visualization under fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry .
Visceral Leishmaniasis Detection: Used in conjunctival swab PCR to identify Leishmania infections in dogs, showing correlation with serological tests .
Autoimmune Disease Studies: Detects autoantibodies targeting ILF2 and ILF3 in canine systemic autoimmune disorders .
Viral Pathogen Surveillance: Employed in serological assays for West Nile Virus and other zoonotic pathogens .
Tissue Staining: Labels IgG in canine tissue samples with a recommended dilution of 1:1,000–1:5,000 .
Flow Cytometry: Optimal dilution ranges from 1:500–1:2,500 for cell surface marker analysis .
Inter-species reactivity occurs with IgG from ferrets, guinea pigs, and swine due to conserved Fab regions .
Pre-adsorption steps may reduce non-specific binding in multispecies studies .
Rabbit anti-Canine IgG antibodies are available in several structural variants, each designed for specific research applications:
Whole molecule (H+L): Recognizes both heavy and light chains of canine IgG. Assays with these antibodies typically show single precipitin arcs against anti-Fluorescein, anti-Rabbit Serum, Dog IgG, and Dog Serum . These provide broad reactivity against the entire IgG molecule.
F(ab')2 Region-specific: These antibodies specifically target the F(ab')2 region of canine IgG with no reaction observed against Dog IgG F(c) . This specificity is valuable when Fc-mediated binding (e.g., through Fc receptors) must be avoided.
Fc-specific: These target only the Fc portion of canine IgG, which can be useful when distinguishing between different immunoglobulin classes or when localization of Fc-mediated activities is important .
Different experimental designs might require different specificity. For example, F(ab')2 specific antibodies are preferred when investigating antigen-binding activities without Fc interference, while whole molecule antibodies provide maximum sensitivity for general detection.
FITC-conjugated Rabbit anti-Canine IgG antibodies are versatile reagents suitable for various fluorescence-based applications:
These applications leverage FITC's excitation maximum at 492 nm and emission maximum at 520 nm . When selecting an application, consider that FITC has lower photostability compared to newer fluorophores like Alexa Fluor 488, especially for extended imaging sessions or samples requiring multiple wash steps.
Proper handling is critical for maintaining optimal antibody performance:
Reconstitution Protocol:
Restore lyophilized antibody with deionized water (or equivalent) to the specified reconstitution volume (typically 1.0 mL)
Allow complete dissolution at room temperature
Prepare working dilutions on the day of use for maximum sensitivity
Storage Guidelines:
Critical Precautions:
These protocols help preserve both binding specificity and fluorescence intensity over time.
Researchers should verify several quality parameters before experimental use:
Critical Quality Attributes:
Specificity: Confirmed through immunoelectrophoresis resulting in single precipitin arcs against anti-Fluorescein, anti-Rabbit Serum, Dog IgG, and Dog Serum
Cross-reactivity profile: Documented interactions with non-target proteins that could affect experimental interpretation
F/P ratio: The fluorophore-to-protein ratio affects brightness and potential interference with binding sites
Working dilution validation: Verify optimal dilution ranges for your specific application and sample type
Signal-to-noise ratio: Test in representative samples that match experimental conditions
Verification Methods:
Run appropriate controls (positive, negative, isotype) alongside experimental samples
Include a titration series to determine optimal concentration
Verify minimal background with secondary-only controls
Confirm specificity through blocking experiments or alternative detection methods
Following these verification steps ensures reliable experimental results and helps troubleshoot potential issues.
The buffer composition significantly impacts antibody performance and stability:
Standard Buffer Composition:
Common Additives:
Stabilizers: 10 mg/mL Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) - Immunoglobulin and Protease free
Preservatives: 0.01% (w/v) Thimerosal (Merthiolate) or 0.09% Sodium Azide
Application-Specific Considerations:
For flow cytometry: PBS with 1% BSA and 0.1% sodium azide is commonly used to reduce non-specific binding
For tissue staining: Addition of 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 may improve penetration in fixed specimens
For long-term storage: Glycerol at 50% final concentration helps prevent freeze damage
These buffer components maintain antibody structure, prevent microbial growth, and optimize binding characteristics while minimizing background fluorescence.
Cross-reactivity can compromise experimental results, particularly in studies involving multiple species or complex biological samples:
Assessment Methods:
Immunoelectrophoresis: Evaluates reactivity against purified immunoglobulins from different species
ELISA cross-reactivity panels: Systematic testing against immunoglobulins from evolutionarily related species
Western blot analysis: Identifies molecular weight patterns of cross-reactive proteins
Flow cytometry with mixed species samples: Quantifies relative binding to non-target cells
Mitigation Strategies:
Pre-adsorption: Some antibodies are specifically prepared with solid phase adsorption to remove unwanted reactivities
Blocking protocols: Include serum from potentially cross-reactive species in blocking buffer
Dilution optimization: Higher dilutions may reduce non-specific binding while maintaining specific signal
Alternative detection systems: Consider secondary antibodies with different host species or conjugates
Fragment-specific antibodies: F(ab')2-specific antibodies may show reduced cross-reactivity compared to whole IgG antibodies
Cross-reactivity Data Example:
Products tested by immunoelectrophoresis show varying patterns of cross-reactivity. For instance, some Rabbit anti-Dog IgG F(ab')2 antibodies show no reaction against Dog IgG F(c) while reacting with Dog IgG, Dog IgG F(ab')2 and Dog Serum .
This systematic approach allows researchers to anticipate potential interference and design appropriate controls.
Maximizing signal-to-noise ratio is critical when working with samples that have low target abundance or high background:
Signal Enhancement Approaches:
Amplification systems:
Biotin-streptavidin systems for primary signal amplification
Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for up to 100-fold increase in sensitivity
Multi-layer detection with anti-FITC antibodies
Sample preparation optimization:
Extended blocking steps (1-2 hours at room temperature)
Use of specialized blocking reagents (e.g., Image-iT FX signal enhancer)
Autofluorescence quenching with Sudan Black B or specialized commercial reagents
Optical considerations:
Narrow bandpass filters to specifically capture FITC emission
Confocal microscopy to eliminate out-of-focus fluorescence
Spectral unmixing for samples with overlapping autofluorescence
Dilution Optimization Table:
Application | Standard Dilution | Low-Abundance Target Dilution | High Background Adjustment |
---|---|---|---|
Flow Cytometry | 1:500 - 1:2,500 | 1:250 - 1:500 | 1:2,500 - 1:5,000 + extra washes |
Fluorescence Microscopy | 1:1,000 - 1:5,000 | 1:500 - 1:1,000 | 1:5,000 - 1:10,000 + longer blocking |
FLISA | 1:10,000 - 1:50,000 | 1:5,000 - 1:10,000 | 1:50,000 - 1:100,000 + detergent increase |
The optimal approach depends on sample characteristics and experimental requirements, often requiring empirical optimization for each unique application.
Common Purification Methods:
Immunoaffinity chromatography: Rabbit anti-Canine IgG antibodies are typically prepared using Dog IgG coupled to agarose beads . This produces highly specific antibodies with excellent target recognition.
Solid phase adsorption: Following initial purification, additional solid phase adsorption steps remove unwanted reactivities , particularly important for reducing cross-reactivity in complex samples.
Fragment isolation: For F(ab')2 fragments, pepsin digestion followed by gel filtration removes intact IgG or Fc fragments , producing reagents with reduced non-specific binding via Fc receptors.
Performance Comparison:
Purification Method | Advantages | Limitations | Best Applications |
---|---|---|---|
Single-step immunoaffinity | Higher yield, Cost-effective | May retain some cross-reactivity | General detection, High abundance targets |
Multi-step with solid phase adsorption | Minimal cross-reactivity, Lower background | Lower yield, Higher cost | Multiplex assays, Cross-species studies |
Pepsin digestion (F(ab')2) | Reduced Fc-mediated binding, Better tissue penetration | Potential damage to binding sites | Live cell applications, Tissues with high Fc receptor expression |
Practical Considerations:
Antibodies purified with solid phase adsorption steps are preferred for multicolor flow cytometry and multiplex imaging applications
The purification method should be selected based on the specific experimental requirements, including required specificity, target abundance, and sample complexity
Understanding these differences allows researchers to select the most appropriate reagent for their specific application.
FITC is notably susceptible to photobleaching, which presents challenges for long-duration imaging experiments:
Anti-photobleaching Strategies:
Chemical anti-fading agents:
ProLong Gold or Diamond mounting media
DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) at 2.5% in mounting medium
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplementation in imaging buffer
Imaging technique modifications:
Reduced excitation intensity with compensatory increase in exposure time
Interval acquisition with shuttering between captures
Oxygen-scavenging systems (e.g., glucose oxidase/catalase)
Redox-based systems with primary thiol (MEA) for STORM/dSTORM techniques
Sample preparation considerations:
pH optimization (FITC fluorescence is optimized at slightly alkaline pH)
Thorough removal of unbound antibody to reduce background
Temperature reduction during imaging when possible
Quantitative Assessment:
Researchers can measure photobleaching rates by calculating the time to 50% initial intensity (t½) under specific imaging conditions. For FITC, this t½ is typically shorter than newer fluorophores:
Fluorophore | Relative Brightness | Approximate t½ (standard conditions) | pH Sensitivity |
---|---|---|---|
FITC | 100% (reference) | 1x (baseline) | High (optimal pH 8-9) |
Alexa Fluor 488 | ~120% | 5-10x longer | Low |
DyLight 488 | ~110% | 3-5x longer | Moderate |
When photobleaching remains problematic despite these measures, alternative fluorophores should be considered .
Thorough validation is crucial when introducing a new antibody lot into established protocols:
Essential Controls:
Specificity Controls:
Positive control (known positive sample from previous experiments)
Negative control (sample known to lack target)
Competitive inhibition with unconjugated antibody
Isotype control (irrelevant rabbit IgG-FITC at same concentration)
Technical Controls:
Secondary-only control (no primary antibody)
Unstained sample (autofluorescence baseline)
Single-color controls (for multicolor experiments)
Dilution series to verify optimal working concentration
Quantitative Validation:
Side-by-side comparison with previous lot
Standard curve with known quantities of target protein
Signal-to-noise ratio determination at multiple dilutions
Brightness comparison (mean fluorescence intensity)
Lot-to-Lot Variation Assessment Protocol:
Run parallel assays with old and new lots on identical samples
Calculate correction factor if needed: CF = (MFI old lot) ÷ (MFI new lot)
Document differences in optimal dilution, background, and cross-reactivity
Adjust protocols accordingly to maintain consistency in results
These validation steps ensure experimental continuity and data reproducibility when transitioning between antibody lots.
Buffer composition and blocking strategy significantly impact background fluorescence and non-specific binding:
Buffer Component Effects:
Component | Concentration Range | Effect on Non-specific Binding | Effect on FITC Signal |
---|---|---|---|
NaCl | 0.15-0.5 M | Reduces electrostatic interactions | Minimal direct effect |
Tween-20 | 0.05-0.1% | Reduces hydrophobic interactions | Can reduce signal intensity |
BSA | 1-5% | Blocks protein binding sites | Stabilizes antibody |
Casein | 0.5-2% | Superior blocking for some applications | Can cause aggregation |
Normal serum | 2-10% | Blocks Fc receptors effectively | Potential auto-fluorescence |
Triton X-100 | 0.1-0.3% | Improves penetration in fixed samples | Can extract membrane proteins |
Optimized Blocking Strategies by Application:
Flow Cytometry:
Fluorescence Microscopy:
Tissue sections: 10% normal goat serum, 1% BSA, 0.3% Triton X-100, 0.1% sodium azide
Cultured cells: 5% BSA, 0.1% Tween-20 in PBS
High background samples: Add 0.1-1% non-fat dry milk to reduce background
FLISA:
Standard: 1% BSA, 0.05% Tween-20 in PBS
Enhanced blocking: 1% casein, 0.05% Tween-20 in PBS
The optimal blocking strategy should be empirically determined for each specific application and sample type, with systematic testing of different blocking agents and concentrations.
Multiplexed assays present unique challenges that require careful optimization:
Spectral Considerations:
FITC excitation maximum: 492 nm
Potential spectral overlap with:
GFP (similar excitation/emission profile)
PE (minimal excitation overlap, some emission overlap)
Autofluorescent components in tissues (e.g., lipofuscin, elastin)
Antibody Compatibility Factors:
Host species interactions: When using multiple primary antibodies, selection of non-cross-reactive host species is critical
Cross-adsorption requirements: For multiplex applications, highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies reduce background
Titration in multiplex context: Optimal dilution may differ from single-color applications due to competition and steric hindrance
Practical Multiplex Strategy:
Start with the weakest signal target using brightest fluorophore
Reserve FITC for intermediate-abundance targets
Apply spectral compensation or unmixing when using fluorophores with overlapping emission spectra
Include fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls for each fluorophore
Consider sequential detection for challenging combinations
Recommended Panel Design:
Target Abundance | Recommended Fluorophore | Alternative to FITC |
---|---|---|
High | FITC or similar | Alexa Fluor 488 |
Medium | TRITC, Texas Red | PE, Alexa Fluor 555 |
Low | APC, Alexa Fluor 647 | Alexa Fluor 633 |
Autofluorescent samples | Far-red/NIR dyes | Alexa Fluor 647, Cy5 |
This strategic approach maximizes signal clarity and minimizes bleed-through artifacts in complex multicolor experiments.