Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part C (2017)

Abstract: Immunohistochemistry or IHC refers to the process of localizing proteins in cells of a tissue exploiting the principle of specific Ag-Ab binding. It takes its name from the roots "immuno," in reference to antibodies used in the procedure, and "histo," meaning tissue. To demonstrate an Ag or Ab in a histologic section, one of the reactant (usually Ab) may be labeled with a substance such as: Radioisotope, Fluorochrome & Enzyme. The label then may be detected after formation of an immune complex (Ag-Ab). Although radioisotopes can be detected in very small amounts, their use in histology require: Auto-radiographic procedure (time consuming), may produce poor results. However, immunofluorescence & immunoenzymic procedures produce excellent localization of Ag-Ab reaction. The following article presents a review on the role of Immunofluorescence and its varied clinical applications.