Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Vision involves the conversion of light into electrochemical signals that are processed by the retina and subsequently sent to and interpreted by the brain. The process of converting light to an electrochemical signal begins when the membrane-bound protein, rhodopsin, absorbs light within the retina. Photoexcitation of rhodopsin causes the cytoplasmic surface of the protein to become catalytically active. In the active state, rhodopsin activates transducin, a GTP binding protein. Once activated, transducin promotes the hydrolysis of cGMP by phosphodiesterase (PDE). The decrease of intracellular cGMP concentrations causes the ion channels within the outer segment of the rod or cone to close, thus causing membrane hyperpolarization and, eventually, signal transmission. Rhodopsin’s activity is believed to be shut off by its phosphorylation followed by binding of the soluble protein arrestin._x000D_ Specificity_x000D_ By Western blot, mouse monoclonal clone 1D4 anti-Rhodopsin antibody detects an ~40 kDa protein representing rhodopsin from Sf 9 cells expressing the bovine gene. Immunocytochemical staining of rhodopsin in human retinal samples results in staining of both rod and cone outer segments._x000D_ The epitope for this antibody has been localized to the C-terminal nine amino acids of bovine rhodopsin known as the 1D4 epitope, and detects rhodopsin from human and bovine retinal samples._x000D_ Immunogen_x000D_ bovine rhodopsin._x000D_ Application_x000D_ Applications in which this antibody has been used successfully, and the associated peer-reviewed papers, are given below._x000D_ Immunohistochemistry (1 paper)_x000D_ Mouse monoclonal clone 1D4 anti-Rhodopsin antibody has been successfully used in Western blot, immunocytochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. It is used as a probe to determine the presence and roles of rhodopsin in the conversion of light into electrochemical signals._x000D_ Physical form_x000D_ Solution in phosphate buffered saline containing 1 mg/mL BSA and 0.05% sodium azide._x000D_ Disclaimer_x000D_ Unless otherwise stated in our catalog or other company documentation accompanying the product(s), our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals.