2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1. To develop reagents for the sensitive detection of BoNTs in ELISA or ALISSA assay formats. 2. To optimize techniques for the recovery and detection of toxin in animal tissues and sera. 3. To determine the pharmacokinetics of botulinum neurotoxins in oral and parenteral mouse models of intoxication. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 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. Documents Trust with UC Irvine. Log 36536. 3.Progress Report This report documents research conducted under a Reimbursable Agreement between ARS and the UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. A very sensitive test for ricin that was originally developed under the parent project (5325-42000-043-00D) was adapted to detect ricin in biological samples. The test was sensitive enough to detect the distribution of toxin in the bodies of mice that were experimentally administered this biothreat toxin orally or in the bloodstream. Oral administration also caused damage to several organs, including pancreas, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes. More complete knowledge of the effects of ricin will help in the design of more effective testing and treatment protocols. Additional details for the research can be found in the report for the parent project 5325-42000-043-00D, DEVELOPMENT OF DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR TOXINS AND THEIR VALIDATION IN FOOD MATRICES.