Developed by:
Donald A LeDonne
© American Association of Immunologists 1998
Abstract
RANTES
production in humans as an indicator of air quality in various
U.S. Cities.
Recent studies on the chemokine RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), have shown that Bronchial epithelial cells have the ability to synthesize this chemokine. It has also been shown that this proinflammatory protein is present in elevated levels with many chronic respiratory diseases. using this information we investigated the relationship between the level of RANTES present in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 10 residents of 8 U.s. cities as a measure of air quality using a standard ELISA purchased from Endogen for the detection RANTES we determined an average level for each city. Using an expected level 35 ng/ml for normal healthy individuals those cities with an average level above this show an increase in chronic respiratory irritation. This could be used as a quantitative measure of damage to individuals simply breathing the air in that city.
Disclaimer: This experiment was not actually done, but it is an attempt to incorporate the ideas of Immunology, ELISA, biostatistics, and RANTES into a teaching model. It is an activity to be used in any Biology or Environmental Science course to reinforce the scientific method and principles of the immune response reaction.
Introduction:
An Overview To The Use Of A Common Lab Technique And
Biostatistics
This
laboratory investigation is a multi-level approach to
immunological theory and technique. It will introduce students to
a number of scientific methods and concepts. At the same time it
will show how pure and applied science can be related. Finally,
it will allow students to use many approaches to learning and
problem solving. It is my hope that it can be adapted to various
levels of student ability based on your particular teaching
situation.
Using a common method of measuring both quantitatively and qualitatively, you can explain in detail, conduct as a demonstration, or allow your students to do the protocol of an ELISA. All good and valid elements of experimentation are present in this protocol.
Using the chemokine RANTES as an agent to detect irritation and response of cells to the environment, we have a classic example of the immune response reaction. This can be used as a starting or an end point to any discussion of the immune system.
Using the concepts of ELISA and RANTES we can apply them to an everyday situation, determining where air quality is causing our body to react to the environment in a defensive way.
Whether your students perform actual ELISAS, simulated ELISAS, or simply analyze data given them, they will reinforce the scientific method and problem solving skills.
When you are done with this exercise you can hope to accomplish all or some of the following: