ABSTRACT
Modern biologic research techniques often require the production of specic polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies as an essential component of the research protocol. Production of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies may require the immunization of animals, therein presenting the IACUC with the dilemma and duty of evaluating the immunization procedures and schedules with respect to potential animal pain and distress. Published guidelines from a number of sources are available to assist the IACUC in developing policies and procedures for animal use in antibody production.1-6 Although in vitro alternatives to the use of live animals in the production of antibodies are often appropriate (see 19:7), this chapter primarily focuses on those circumstances in which the IACUC approves the use of live animals for antibody production.
