Immunostain
Immunostain
Immunostain (pronounced: im·mu·no·stain, /ɪˈmjuːnəʊsteɪn/) is a technique used in histology to detect specific proteins in cells of a tissue section. The term is derived from the words 'immune', referring to the immune system, and 'stain', referring to the process of adding color to microscopic specimens for better visualization.
Etymology
The term 'Immunostain' is a combination of two words: 'Immuno-' and '-stain'. 'Immuno-' is derived from 'Immunity', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'immunitas', meaning 'exemption from service or obligation'. '-stain' is derived from the Old English word 'stænian', meaning 'to color or dye'.
Procedure
Immunostaining involves the use of antibodies to detect specific antigens in a tissue. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme or a fluorescent dye which produces a color reaction upon interaction with the antigen. This allows for the visualization of the location of the proteins in the cells.
Types of Immunostaining
There are several types of immunostaining techniques, including:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique uses antibodies to detect the presence and location of proteins in tissue sections. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme that produces a color reaction.
- Immunofluorescence (IF): This technique uses antibodies linked to a fluorescent dye. When exposed to light of a specific wavelength, the dye fluoresces, indicating the location of the protein of interest.
- Immunocytochemistry (ICC): This is similar to IHC, but is used to detect proteins in individual cells rather than tissue sections.
Related Terms
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
- Antibody: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
- Histology: The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.
- Immunohistochemistry: A technique in histology that uses antibodies to detect the presence and location of proteins in tissue sections.
- Immunofluorescence: A technique that uses antibodies linked to a fluorescent dye to detect proteins in cells or tissue sections.
- Immunocytochemistry: A technique similar to immunohistochemistry, but used to detect proteins in individual cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Immunostain
- Wikipedia's article - Immunostain
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