Protocol used to for immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections. Based on use of microwave energy to effect antigen retrieval. The immunohistochemistry procedure, is for use of Biomeda's HistoScan kit based on a streptavidin-peroxidase/biotinylated second antibody detection system with 3-amino, 9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) as chromogen. Undoubtedly, other kits or home-made reagents will also work . - [Read Antigen Retrieval for Immunohistochemistry with Paraffin-Embedded Tissues Protocol]
This protocol describes the covalent coupling of antibodies to biotin. Biotin groups bind with extremely high affinity to streptavidin and avidin, both of which are available commercially coupled with enzymes, fluorescent dyes, or iodine. A biotinylated primary antibody, therefore, can be detected with any of a wide variety of different labels. The biotinylation reaction is simple and mild, and rarely inactivates the antibody. - [Read Labeling Antibodies with Biotin Protocol]