Cholesterol crystal binding of biliary immuno-globulin A: visualization by fluorescence light microscopy

Figure 1 (A) Biliary IgA was isolated from human gallbladder bile by lectin affinity in sequence with immunoaffinity chromatography. (B) Cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA to cholesterol monohydrate crystals (ChMC) was visualized microscopically with fluoresceine isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-human IgA antibodies (FITC-Ab).

Figure 2 Binding of biliary IgA to cholesterol monohydrate crystals. Crystals were treated with biliary IgA, followed by FITC-Ab (see Figure 1). Left, middle and right panels of show light, polarizing and fluorescence light microphotographs, respectively.

Figure 3 Cholesterol monohydrate crystals with IgG and FITC-Ab incubation (see Figure 1). Cholesterol monohydrate crystals without IgA incubation (FITC-Ab only). Left and right panels show polarizing and fluorescence light microphotographs, respectively.