metal antigens - Can metals induce immune rsponse (Jan/10/2008 )

This might be a stupid question but i was wondering if metals can be tracked in a biological system by immunostaining just as protein antigens. For example what would I have to do if I wanted to track lead (Pb) sequestration in plant tissues.
Thanks heaps

hi,
in my view chemically based reactions r efficient in detection of metals in the cell.
raising antibodies against metals is a tricky process, it depends on how immunogenic that metal is? and what r the metal conjugates etc...
i m aware of antibodies which can specifically recognize phosphate groups, which r called as phospho specific antibodies..

follow the link hopeful u will get an idea...
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v316/...s/316265a0.html
sravan