A new analytical method of studying post-synaptic currents.

A powerful methodology for analyzing post-synaptic currents recorded from central neurons is presented. An unknown quantity of transmitter molecules released from presynaptic terminals by electrical stimulation of nerve fibers generates a post-synaptic response at the synaptic site. The current induced at the synaptic junction is assumed to rise rapidly and decay slowly with its peak amplitude being proportional to the number of released transmitter molecules.

Production of monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies which mimic an M-like protein of Streptococcus equi.

Rat monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies (mAb2) were raised against two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb1), 1D10 and 2A6, with specificity for the M-like protein of Streptococcus equi. The capacity of the mAb2 to inhibit the binding between the corresponding mouse mAb1 against which the mAb2 were raised and the M-like protein was investigated in an inhibition EIA. One of the ten mAb2 examined, namely 5D1 (anti-mAb1 1D10), was able to inhibit this binding.

Internal image (Ab2 beta) anti-idiotype vaccines. Theoretical and practical aspects.

Anti-idiotype antibodies that carry an internal image of an antigen epitope (Ab2 beta antibodies) can be used in vaccine preparations to favourably manipulate the immune network. These vaccines have been shown to induce protective immunity in animals that have not been intentionally exposed to the native antigen epitope. This review attempts to define certain theoretical and practical aspects of immunological network manipulations and their relevance to Ab2 beta internal image anti-idiotype antibody vaccine design.

Protection against Streptococcus equi infection by monoclonal antibodies against an M-like protein.

We have developed an in vivo passive transfer assay using mice to identify monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which offer protection against Streptococcus equi infection. The assay was developed using serum antibodies collected from horses convalescing from strangles. In this study, we show that a preparation of M-like protein, acid-extracted from S.