Monoclonal antibody that preferentially binds polylysine, polyarginine, and histones and selectively decorates nuclei and chromosomes.

A monoclonal antibody, designated J-57, selectively and uniformly decorates the interphase nuclei and mitotic chromosomes of a variety of eucaryotic cells as determined by indirect immunofluorescence. As determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, however, this monoclonal antibody is not monospecific. It reacts weakly with cytochrome c, RNase A, and brain tubulin. By these tests monoclonal antibody J-57 has broad cross-reactivity similar to that of antisera directed against polylysine. The differential reactions of this monoclonal antibody suggest that it may be a useful immunohistochemical probe for nuclei and chromosomes in whole cells.