An improved europium release assay for complement-mediated cytolysis.

An improved assay for complement-mediated cytolysis is described. The target cells are labeled with europium complexed to diethylenetriaminopentaacetate (Eu-DTPA). Cytolysis caused by antibody plus complement leads to the release of the Eu-DTPA complex which is then formed into a highly fluorescent chelate by the addition of 2-naphthoyltrifluoroacetone (2-NTA). The amount of europium chelate formed--a measurement of cell death--is then quantified with a time-resolved fluorometer. The results of the assay are reproducible. Complement-mediated cytolysis when measured by europium release was five times more sensitive than when measured by conventional 51Cr release and three times than when measured by trypan blue exclusion. Because europium does not decay, target cells can be labelled in batches and stored frozen until use, which speeds and simplifies the assay. Thus, europium release assay is a simple and quantitative method to measure complement-mediated cytolysis which is sensitive and more rapid than conventional assays.