Anti-Choline Acetyltransferase (CHAT)

Acetylcholine (Ach) is a common neurotransmitter for motoneurons, preganglionic autonomic neurons, postganglionic parasympathetic neurons, a variety of brain regions and some emerging neuron-like stem cells. The metabolism of Ach is relatively simple, involving only two enzymes: choline acetyltransfrase (ChAT) for synthesis and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for degradation. Further, acetylcholine has little function in neurons other than neurotransmission and seems to be neuron specific. It seems that only cholinergic neurons have significant amounts of ChAT making anti-cholinacetyltransferase a useful specific marker. Applications: Suitable for use in Immunohistochemistry and Immunoprecipitation. Other applications have not been tested. Recommended Dilution: Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin): 1:100 staining on normal cerebral cortex. Tissue not treated with antigen retrieval. Immunoreactivity is seen as a staining pattern on the cell body, dendrites and axons of neurons., Immunoprecipitation: 1:200. Immunoprecipitates 68kD active ChAT from brain and placenta. Also precipitates a 27kD protein that is co-expressed with ChAT (but lacking ChAT activity) in some cholinergic neurons of the central nervous system of humans and possibly other mammals. , Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Positive Control: Cerebral cortex tissue, normal, Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.