A Method for the Use of Immunofluorescence on Paraffin-embedded Tissues

Abstract

Immunofluorescence is increasingly used for the visualization of antigens and antibodies in various tissues. The commonly used frozen sections present several disadvantages, which can be avoided by the present adaptation of paraffin-embedded sections for immunofluorescence. In this method, Bouin's solution achieves fast, deep fixation which preserves well the capacity of antigens to react with specific FITC-labeled antibodies. The method gives superior resolution of morphology, lower nonspecific fluorescent background, and permanent sections suitable for indefinite storage and retrospective studies. It has been successfully applied thus far to the study of immunofluorescence of lymphoid, thyroid, renal, pulmonary, and intestinal tissues.