Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is a technique that involves the use of antibodies to detect specific biomolecules in cells and tissues. It is a fundamental tool in studying the distribution and localization of proteins, enzymes, and other cellular molecules.
The ICC process is initiated by collecting a sample of cells or tissues and preparing them for staining. This involves fixing the sample, typically with formalin or alcohol, and embedding it in paraffin or freezing it in optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound. Sections of the tissue or cells are then placed on a slide, and the antigen retrieval process is performed to unmask the epitope of the target protein. The primary antibody, which recognizes the target protein, is added and allowed to bind to the antigen. The secondary antibody, conjugated to a fluorescent or enzyme tag, is added next, and its binding to the primary antibody is detected either by fluorescence or chromogenic detection.
ICC has numerous applications in the health care industry. It is widely used in diagnostic pathology to identify cancerous cells in biopsy samples. The technique is also valuable for identifying infectious agents in patient samples, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In addition, ICC can be used for studying the pathogenesis of various diseases, discovering new targets for drug development, and monitoring the efficacy of treatments.
In summary, immunocytochemistry is a versatile and powerful technique that aids in advancing the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the development, progression, and treatment of diseases in health care.
Immunocytochemistry
Health Care Term
Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is a technique that involves the use of antibodies to detect specific biomolecules in cells and tissues. It is a fundamental tool in studying the distribution and localization of proteins, enzymes, and other cellular molecules.
The ICC process is initiated by collecting a sample of cells or tissues and preparing them for staining. This involves fixing the sample, typically with formalin or alcohol, and embedding it in paraffin or freezing it in optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound. Sections of the tissue or cells are then placed on a slide, and the antigen retrieval process is performed to unmask the epitope of the target protein. The primary antibody, which recognizes the target protein, is added and allowed to bind to the antigen. The secondary antibody, conjugated to a fluorescent or enzyme tag, is added next, and its binding to the primary antibody is detected either by fluorescence or chromogenic detection.
ICC has numerous applications in the health care industry. It is widely used in diagnostic pathology to identify cancerous cells in biopsy samples. The technique is also valuable for identifying infectious agents in patient samples, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In addition, ICC can be used for studying the pathogenesis of various diseases, discovering new targets for drug development, and monitoring the efficacy of treatments.
In summary, immunocytochemistry is a versatile and powerful technique that aids in advancing the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the development, progression, and treatment of diseases in health care.