Visualization of antigens in cells and tissues by immunocyto- and histo-chemistry is a routine technique in life sciences. There are a variety of interfering factors and pitfalls. Tissue fixation, antigen retrieval, identification of appropriate detection method, and the inclusion of positive and negative controls are important factors for successful staining and interpretation of data.
Theory: selection of fixative and embedding, antigen retrieval, selection of antibodies, detection methods, multiple staining.
Practical part: staining of vessels with anti-von Willebrand factor antibody in different tissues using chromogenic and fluorescent detection, documentation of staining.
