The development of a reproducible immunocytochemical technique for demonstrating colocalized cutaneous antigens

A number of double immunocytochemical labeling techniques are available that allow simultaneous identification of two antigens in one tissue section. Those most commonly used are (a) the acid elution method, which uses acid buffer to remove one set of antibodies, thus allowing a second set to be applied; (b) the use of noncross-reacting combinations of immunoglobulin subclass and subclass-specific antibodies; and (c) application of the diaminobenzidine (DAB) reaction product as an antibody-blocking reagent, preventing cross-reaction of one set of antibodies with those of a second labeling method. We assessed each technique, using a variety of immunoenzyme methods, for the ability to label antigens that are anatomically separate in one tissue section and those that are colocalized on the same cell surface. Acid elution methods increased antibody cross-reaction. The use of immunoglobulin subclass antibodies resulted in inferior staining. The DAB blocking method, using peroxidase antiperoxidase (DAB substrate) and alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase (APAAP) (fast red substrate) optimally labeled non colocalized antigens. The substitution of fast blue as the APAAP substrate proved optimal for colocalized antigens, producing brown and blue single-labeled and black double-labeled cells.