Techniques
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunocytochemistry
- Light Microscopy
- Electron Microscopy
Immuno-histo-chemistry (IHC)
This involves the preparation of tissue so that specific proteins are stained and visible under a microscope. This differs from immunocytochemistry in that we are working with "histo" or "tissue" rather than "cyto" which means "cell". However, in both techniques, antibodies are used to bind to specific antigens on the surface of the tissue/cell and this is what "immuno" stands for.
There are two ways to use Immunohistochemistry:
- Direct method : one type of antibody is used to directly come in contact with the surface antigen. In some instances, the antibody may use fluorescence for staining.
- Indirect method : two antibodies are used in the process. The first/primary antibody binds to the antigen whereas the second antibody will attach to the primary antibody. The second antibody is responsible for the staining or fluorescence
Preparation of Tissue from Rat or Mice:
- Coronal Section: cut brain along yz plane
- Horizontal Section: cut brain along xz plane
- Sagittal Section: cut brain along xy plane