Monoclonal antibodies with defined specificities for Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor cross-react with Drosophila neural tissue.
A panel of monoclonal antibodies with known specificity for the well-characterized nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from the electroplax of Torpedo californica, many of which cross-react with the mammalian muscle acetylcholine receptor, were examined for cross-reactivity in the fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Monoclonal antibodies with specificities for different epitopes on the transmembrane receptor complex from Torpedo cross-react with different regional subsets of neural tissue in Drosophila. Axonal tracts, neuropil, mechano-sensory bristle elements and photoreceptors, each are detected by separate monoclonal antibody classes corresponding to different epitope domains. A preliminary characterization of an antigenic determinant in Drosophila heads recognized by one of the cross-reacting monoclonal antibodies is presented. Monoclonal antibodies such as these may be useful in identifying molecules of homologous structure or function, possibly including a neuronal acetylcholine receptor.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D051379:Mice; D009132:Muscles / Q000276:immunology; D009420:Nervous System / Q000276:immunology*; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000276:immunology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D014101:Torpedo / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000939:Epitopes; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic