immunohistokemiskt

Immunohistokemiskt, often translated as immunohistochemical, refers to a laboratory technique used to detect specific antigens in tissue sections through the use of labeled antibodies. The method combines immunology and histology, allowing visualization of protein expression patterns within the architectural context of the tissue.

The basic procedure involves fixing and embedding tissue, slicing it into thin sections, and exposing it to primary antibodies that bind selectively to the target antigen. A secondary antibody, usually conjugated to a chromogenic enzyme such as horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase, is then applied. In the presence of a suitable substrate, the enzyme generates a colored precipitate at the site of antibody binding, rendering the antigen visible under a light microscope. In many laboratories, fluorescently labeled antibodies are used, producing a signal that can be detected with a fluorescence microscope or confocal imaging system.

Immunohistokemiskt is widely employed in both research and diagnostic pathology. In research, it helps in mapping protein localization, studying cell differentiation, and elucidating signaling pathways. Clinically, it assists in the diagnosis of cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases by identifying disease-specific biomarkers. For example, detection of estrogen receptor expression in breast carcinoma tissues guides hormone therapy choices. The technique’s specificity, combined with the preservation of tissue morphology, makes it an indispensable tool in modern biomedicine.