Immunocytochemical Methods and Protocols

Book excerpt: The principle that antibodies can be used as cytochemical agents provided they are tagged with suitable markers has been evident for over 50 years. During this time the use of immunocytochemical meth ods has spread to a wide array of biological disciplines. Early applica tions focused on the detection of microbial antigens in tissues, while more recent applications have used monoclonal antibodies to study cell differentiation during embryonic development. For a select few disci plines, volumes have been published focusing on the specific applica tion of immunocytochemical techniques to that discipline. What distinguishes the present book, Immunocytochemical Meth ods and Protocols, from earlier books is its broad appeal to researchers in all disciplines, including those in both research and clinical settings. The methods and protocols presented here are designed to be general in their application and the accompanying "Notes" provide invaluable assistance in adapting or troubleshooting the protocols. Interspersed throughout the book are chapters providing overviews of select topics related to immunocytochemistry.