Cell Death Detection ELISA^PLUS

Use this kit for relative quantification of histone-complexed DNA fragments (mono- and oligonucleosomes) out of the cytoplasma of cells after the induction of apoptosis or when released from necrotic cells. Since the assay does not require prelabeling of cells, it can detect internucleosomal degradation of genomic DNA during apoptosis even in cells that do not proliferate in vitro, for example, freshly isolated tumor cells. The antibodies used in the assay are not species-specific, therefore, the kit may be used to assay cells from a wide variety of species.

Anti-histone reacts with the histones H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 of various species (e.g., human, mouse, rat, hamster, cow, opossum, Xenopus). Anti-DNA binds to single- and double-stranded DNA. Therefore, the ELISA allows the detection of mono- and oligonucleosomes from various species, and may be applied to measure apoptotic cell death in many different cell systems.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

The Cell Death Detection ELISA^PLUS photometric enzyme immunoassay is used for the quantitative in vitro determination of cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA fragments (mono- and oligonucleosomes) after induced cell death.
The kit contains a stop solution which allows users to terminate the substrate reaction and run the assay under defined conditions, making it suitable for use in high-throughput applications.

1 kit containing 10 components

Assay time: 3 - 4 hours
Negative control: Depending on cell culture conditions, each exponentially growing permanent cell culture contains a certain amount of dead cells (typically approximately 3 - 8%). In the immunoassay, these inherent dead cells in the untreated sample (without a cell-death-inducing agent) will cause a certain absorbance value (negative control).
Positive control: A DNA-histone complex serves as a positive control.
Sample material: Cytoplasmic fractions (lysates) of cell lines, cells ex vivo, cell culture supernatants, and serum or plasma

Unit Conversion: 1 mU = 1 x 10-3 OD (1 mU = 0.001 OD).

Working solution: Preparation of Working Solutions

Alongside the ready-to-use solutions supplied with this kit, you will need to prepare the following working solutions:
Note: Use only double-distilled water for reconstitution of lyophilizates.

Anti-Histone Biotin
Reconstitute the lyophilizate in 450 μl double-distilled water for 10 minutes and mix thoroughly.
Use: Component of the Immunoreagent.
Anti-DNA Peroxidase
Reconstitute the lyophilizate in 450 μl double-distilled water for 10 minutes and mix thoroughly.
Use: Component of the Immunoreagent.
Positive Control
Reconstitute the lyophilizate in 450 μl double-distilled water for 10 minutes and mix thoroughly.
Use: ELISA Step 1.
ABTS Tablets
Dependent on the number of samples tested, dissolve 1, 2, or 3 tablets from bottle 7 in 5, 10, or 15 ml Substrate Buffer.
Use: ELISA Step 5.
ABTS Stop Solution
If turbidity or a precipitate is visible, warm to 37 °C with shaking until the solution is clear.
Use: ELISA Step 6.
Storage conditions (working solution): Anti-Histone Biotin: 2 to 8 °C for 2 months
ABTS Tablets: 1 month stored protected from light. Allow to come to 15 to 25 °C before use.
ABTS Stop Solution: 2 to 8 °C until the expiration date printed on the label.

The exact detection limit of dying/dead cells in a particular sample strongly depends on the kinetics of cell death, the cytotoxic agent used, and the amount of affected cells in the total cell population. Using U937/camptothecin (CAM) as a cellular model system for cell death, the immunoassay allows the specific detection of mono- and oligonucleosomes in the cytoplasmic fraction of 125cell equivalents/well.

For life science research only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.