a chemical conjugate of the mouse monoclonal antibody to dopamine beta-hydroxylase
and the ribosome-inactivating protein, saporin
targets cells expressing rat dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH)

Anti-dopamine beta-hydroxylase-saporin (anti-DBH-SAP) is a highly specific noradrenergic lesioning agent. It specifically targets rat* cells that express dopamine beta-hydroxylase. This vesicular enzyme is exposed to the exterior milieu upon release of noradrenaline and thus allows these cells to be targeted with saporin. The specificity of the immunotoxin correlates well with uptake of the antibody when injected intraventricularly. After systemic administration, animals have a massive reduction in plasma norepinephrine levels, indicating efficient targeting and sympathectomy. Unlike other lesioning methods, this molecular lesioning agent assures definitive ablation of the target neurons.

* Also known to react with mouse, cow and sheep. Other species not confirmed.

Elimination of Specific Cell Type

• Specifically targets rat cells that express dopamine beta-hydroxylase.
• All other cells left untouched.

Effective Tool to Study Behavior

Permanent and selective removal of cerebral noradrenergic innervation makes an important animal model for the study of the following:

• Drug effects (anti-hypertensives, opiates, stimulants, etc.)
• Behavior (fear, depression, food intake)
• Plasticity of other systems in response to loss
• Primary autonomic failure