Reticulocyte Lysate

[Stephen R. Lasky]

In article <volcs-280994120713 at vockley7.mayo.edu>, volcs at fermat.mayo.edu
(Sam Volchenboum) wrote:

> I've been using alot of lysate for in vitro translation, and it's getting
> really expensive - 1 ml = $110.  I would like to make my own, but don't
> want to hassle with the animals (time, cost, etc.).  Does anyone know if
> rabbit blood is commercially available?  I'm sure it's alot cheaper than
> the lysate!  I cannot find it in the catalogs I have here.  Is it
> reasonable to prepare retic lysate from commercially bought blood?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Sam
> volcs at fermat.mayo.edu
You need more than just rabbit blood, you need to treat the bunnies so that the retic count goes up, normally bunny blood is only about 5% retics (I seem to remember).  You want it to be over 90% retics.  It also needs to be fresh to get good active lysates.  Personally, having made my own lysates, I think you're better off buying a quality controlled kit.
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Stephen R. Lasky, Ph.D.       Brown University/Roger Williams Medical Center
e-mail: Stephen_Lasky at brown.edu         LandLine: 401-456-6572
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A man said to the Universe: "Sir, I exist!"
"However," replied the Universe, "the fact has not created in me a sense of obligation."
      -- Stephen Crane
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