Detection of anti-rotavirus antibody-producing cells in paraffin-embedded tissue sections.

An assay to detect anti-rotavirus antibody-producing cells was developed in rabbits. Sections of alcohol-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were used to make an immunofluorescent "sandwich" consisting of specific antibody-producing cells, a concentrated suspension of bovine rotavirus, and rhodamine-conjugated anti-rotavirus serum. Rhodamine-stained, anti-rotavirus antibody-producing cells could be simultaneously stained by a fluorescein-conjugated antiserum reactive to rabbit immunoglobulin.