Antibodies
Antibodies are one of the most important components of the immune response system.
Antibodies' main jobs are to detect foreign molecules and bind to specific molecules, and then trigger immune responses such as activation of antibody complement and phagocytosis.
Antibodies are used in immunohistochemitry for cancer diagnosis. There are many antibodies manufactured in farms from mice or rabbits. Antibodies are classified as monoclonal or polyclonal.
The most commonly used immunohistochemistry antibodiesinclude Actin, Muscle Specific. This antibody recognizes actin of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells. Cytokeratin Cocktail (AE1/AE3) distinguishes epithelial carcinoma from non-epithelial malignancies. Other common antibodies include Human Placental Lactogen, Helicobacter Pylori for the diagnosis of H. Pylori, Hepatitis B Virus Core Antigen, and Human Chrorionic Gonaditropin witch detects cells and tumors of trophoblastic origin such as choriocarcinoma.
Detection Systems are used with the antibodies to enable a good reading of the specimen. Some detection systems are: Avidin Biotin detection systems which include HRP and Alkaline Phosphate system; Chromagens like DAB and AEC. Also some reagents such as wash buffers are needed for the reaction to occur. Mouse negative control serum and rabbit negative control serum, antibody diluents, and permanent aqueous mounting medium are other common reagents. Also, a good control slide is critical for an antibody to be tested properly.