VMC 221: Veterinary Immunology and Serology (1+1)

PRINCIPLE

• Counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is based on the principle of immunodifussion together with electrophoresis to drive the antigen and antibody toward each other.
• The specimen to be tested (antigen) is placed in the cathode (-) well, and the antiserum (antibody) is placed in the anode (+) well.
• At neutral or alkaline pH, antigens are negatively charged and will migrate toward the anode under the influence of electric field.
• Immunoglobulins on the other hand, will be swept to the cathode by the streaming of buffer ions, an effect known as endosmosis.
• A precipitation line is formed at the region of the field containing the optimum proportion of antigen and antibody.
• 1% agarose in barbital or Manthoney's buffer casted on microscopic slide is used to conduct the test.

Counter immunoelectrophoresis