Immunohisztokémia

Immunohisztokémia is a laboratory technique used to detect and locate specific antigens (proteins) within a tissue sample. It combines the principles of immunology and histochemistry, utilizing antibodies that are specifically designed to bind to a target antigen. The process typically involves preparing a tissue sample, often by fixation and embedding, to preserve its structure. Then, the tissue is exposed to a primary antibody that has a high affinity for the antigen of interest. Following this, a secondary antibody, which is labeled with a detectable marker, is applied. This marker can be an enzyme, a fluorescent dye, or a radioactive substance. When the secondary antibody binds to the primary antibody, the marker becomes visible, allowing researchers and pathologists to identify the presence and location of the target antigen under a microscope. This technique is invaluable in various fields, including medical diagnostics, particularly in cancer research and pathology, where it helps in classifying tumors and determining the best course of treatment. It is also used extensively in basic scientific research to understand protein expression patterns in normal and diseased states, as well as to study cellular and tissue development.