Immunostaining
Immunostaining
Immunostaining (pronounced: im·mu·no·stain·ing, /ɪˈmjuːnəʊˈsteɪnɪŋ/) is a technique used in microscopy to detect specific proteins in cells or tissues. The term is derived from the words 'immune', referring to the immune system's response to foreign substances, and 'staining', which is the process of coloring the microorganisms with dye.
Etymology
The term 'Immunostaining' is a combination of 'Immuno-', a prefix derived from immunity, and '-staining', a suffix referring to the process of applying a dye or stain to a material to enhance its contrast in microscopy. The term was first used in the late 20th century, as the technique was developed and refined.
Technique
Immunostaining involves the use of antibodies to detect specific antigens in a sample. The antibodies are usually linked to a fluorescent dye or an enzyme that produces a colored reaction product. This allows the specific proteins to be visualized under a microscope. There are several types of immunostaining, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunocytochemistry (ICC).
Applications
Immunostaining is widely used in both clinical and research settings. In clinical diagnostics, it can help identify the presence and distribution of specific proteins, which can aid in the diagnosis of diseases such as cancer. In research, it is used to study the localization and expression of proteins in cells and tissues.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system that recognizes and binds to specific antigens.
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response, specifically the production of antibodies.
- Immunohistochemistry: A technique that involves the use of antibodies to detect specific antigens in a tissue section.
- Immunofluorescence: A technique that uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect specific antigens.
- Immunocytochemistry: A technique similar to immunohistochemistry, but used on individual cells rather than tissue sections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Immunostaining
- Wikipedia's article - Immunostaining
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