Proliferating cell nuclear antigen. A marker for cell proliferation in autopsy tissues

Area of Science:

• Cellular Biology
• Pathology
• Immunohistochemistry

Background:

• Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies are used to identify proliferating cells in fresh tissues.
• Reliability of PCNA antibodies in autopsy-derived tissues, with postmortem delays, is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability of anti-PCNA antibodies for identifying proliferating cells in autopsy tissue specimens.
• To determine the impact of postmortem interval on PCNA staining in various tissues.

Main Methods:

• An autopsy simulation was performed using fresh monkey and rat tissues.
• Tissues were kept at room temperature for varying durations before fixation.
• Immunocytochemical methods using anti-PCNA antibodies were applied.

Main Results:

• PCNA staining was most reliable within 6 hours postmortem.
• Reliable staining persisted up to 12 hours, with decreased sensitivity.
• Skin showed reliable staining after longer postmortem intervals.
• Quantitative analysis of monkey spleen showed a decrease in PCNA-positive cells from 63% (immediate fixation) to 19% (18 hours postmortem).
• Human autopsy tissues exhibited similar postmortem staining patterns.

Conclusions:

• Anti-PCNA antibodies can identify proliferating cells in human autopsy tissues obtained within approximately 12 hours of death.
• Rapid tissue procurement and fixation are recommended.
• Control tissues from the same autopsy (e.g., lymph node) are advised.
• Overall sensitivity may be compromised with longer postmortem intervals.