immunohistochemical staining
Laboratory technique using antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue sections for diagnostic purposes.
Full Definition
Immunohistochemical staining is a laboratory method that uses specific antibodies to visualize the presence, location, and abundance of target proteins within tissue sections. In neuropathology, this technique is essential for identifying cell types, detecting pathological protein accumulations, and characterizing tumors. The process involves binding primary antibodies to target antigens, followed by detection systems that produce visible signals. Common neuropathological applications include staining for GFAP in astrocytes, neurofilament in neurons, and disease-specific proteins like tau or alpha-synuclein.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as IHC in pathology reports.
In Context
- "Immunohistochemical staining for p53 showed strong nuclear positivity in the tumor cells." — Brain tumor pathology report
- "The immunohistochemical staining panel included markers for neuronal and glial differentiation." — Diagnostic workup description