PAC-1 Antibody

From: Cunningham, Michael (michael_cunningham@merck.com)
Date: Thu Jan 08 1998 - 13:59:43 EST


Hello,
	Since I worked in the lab that discovered PAC-1, I want to clear
up some of the incorrect information about this antibody.  PAC-1 is an
antibody that binds only to the activated form of the platelet
glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex. It recognizes an epitope on the IIb-IIIa
complex critical for fibrinogen binding.  Therefore PAC-1 and fibrinogen
inhibit each other's binding in a competive manner.  If you are using a
whole blood assay the blood should be diluted 1:10 to eliminate this
effect. Also, the tetrapeptide, RGDS, competitively inhibits PAC-1
binding.  Since PAC-1 is an antibody that recognizes only activated
platelets, care must be taken in handlimg the platelets (ie. washed
platelets).  Some useful references are:
	
	1. Shattil,S, et al. Blood: vol 70: 307-315, 1987
	2. Abrams, C., et al. Blood: vol 75: 128-138, 1990
	3. Shattil,S., et al. JBC: vol 260:11107-11114, 1985

I hope this information helps people using the PAC-1 antibody.   Michael
Cunningham



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