<OL> <LI>To develop reagents for the sensitive detection of BoNTs in ELISA or ALISSA assay formats. <LI> To optimize techniques for the recovery and detection of toxin in animal tissues and sera. <LI>To determine the pharmacokinetics of botulinum neurotoxins in oral and parenteral mouse models of intoxication.
Approach: Monoclonal antibodies directed against botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) serotypes B, E and F will be produced and used in sensitive in vitro assays to detect toxin in animal sera and tissues. Animals will be intoxicated and the half life and tissue distribution of the toxins determined.