imunohistochemii

Imunohistochemie, often abbreviated as IHC, is a laboratory technique used to detect and locate specific antigens or proteins within tissue samples. It relies on the principle of antibody-antigen binding, where specific antibodies are used to bind to target antigens present in the tissue. These antibodies are typically conjugated to a marker, such as an enzyme or a fluorescent dye, which can then be visualized under a microscope.

The process begins with a tissue sample, which is usually fixed and embedded in paraffin or frozen. The tissue is then sectioned into thin slices and mounted on microscope slides. After a series of preparation steps, including antigen retrieval if necessary, the primary antibody, specific to the target antigen, is applied to the tissue. If the antigen is present, the primary antibody will bind to it.

Next, a secondary antibody, which is conjugated to a detectable label, is added. This secondary antibody is designed to bind to the primary antibody. For enzyme-conjugated secondary antibodies, a chromogen is added, which reacts with the enzyme to produce a colored precipitate at the site of antigen-antibody binding. Fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies emit light of a specific color when excited by a light source, allowing for visualization under a fluorescence microscope.

Imunohistochemie is widely used in various fields, particularly in diagnosing diseases like cancer. It helps pathologists determine the presence, location, and distribution of specific proteins, which can be indicative of disease states or predict response to certain treatments. For instance, it can identify the expression of hormone receptors in breast cancer, aiding in treatment decisions. It is also valuable in research for understanding cellular processes and the localization of proteins within tissues.