Immunocytochemical detection of serotonin with monoclonal antibodies.

The development of the monoclonal antibody YC5/45 HLK (YC5/HLK) against a 5HT-bovine seroalbumin immunogen and its application for immunocytochemistry is described. The YC5/HLK antibody is the product of a rat x rat hybrid myeloma, producing a heavy chain and two light chains. In hemagglutination tests, the antibody cross-reacts to entirety with dopamine, serotonin, and tryptamine at high concentrations. The serotonin-albumin conjugate is 20,000 times more effective in displacing the binding antibody, while albumin itself goes unrecognized by the antibody. In fixed preparations of brain tissue, immunofluorescence is observed only in neurons known to contain serotonin, while no reaction is observed in dopamine-rich neurons. All immunofluorescence is extinguished by the use of agents that inhibit the biosynthesis of 5HT, but not of the catecholamines.