a1-Antitrypsin (AAT, alpha-1-AT, alpha1 Proteinase Inhibitor, alpha1 PI)

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) consisting of a single polypeptide chain and has a molecular weight of 51kD. It exists in a number of genetic variants. MM variant is the most common. Alpha-1-AT is synthesized in the liver and it acts as an inhibitor of proteases such as trypsin, elastase, chymotrypsin, collagenase, leukocytic proteases, plasmin, and thrombin, which may be released during inflammatory reactions in the lung. In the absence of AAT, these enzymes are not inhibited and they may digest pulmonary parenchyma. AAT deficiency is associated with chronic obstructive lung disease (emphysema) and less frequently with hepatic cirrhosis in infants and respiratory distress of the newborn. Increase in AAT occurs as an acute phase response to tissue necrosis and inflammation. Serum level of alpha-1-AT is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infections, vasculitis, and carcinomatosis. In colorectal and lung carcinomas, AAT has also related to their invasive and metastatic capacity. The average level of AAT in plasma is 1.3g/L.

Applications:
Suitable for use in Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested.

Recommended Dilutions:
Immunohistochemistry (Formalin/paraffin): 1:100-1:200 for 30 minutes at RT. No special pretreatment is required for staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Positive Control:
Tonsil

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.