Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

19:41
Immunocytochemistry: Human Neural Stem Cells
Published on: August 24, 2007
Immunocytochemistry: an indispensable technique in routine cytology
1Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden. lambert.skoog@karolinska.se
Summary
Immunocytology enhances diagnostic accuracy by identifying prognostic and therapeutic markers. Proper specimen preparation and antibody selection are crucial for reliable immunocytochemistry results in various applications.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Immunocytology is a vital tool complementing cytomorphology.
- It significantly improves diagnostic accuracy and identifies key markers.
- These markers aid in prognosis and targeted therapy selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immunocytochemistry techniques and applications.
- To discuss specimen preparation, fixation, and antibody selection.
- To provide guidance on staining panels and marker utility.
Main Methods:
- Review of immunocytochemistry principles and practices.
- Summary of antibody specificities for common tumors.
- Discussion of targeted therapy and theranostic markers.
Main Results:
- Proper specimen preparation and fixation ensure reliable antibody performance.
- Specific staining panels are suggested for various tumor types.
- Immunocytochemistry aids in identifying infectious agents.
Conclusions:
- Immunocytology is indispensable for modern diagnostics.
- It enables personalized medicine through targeted therapy and theranostics.
- Standardized protocols are key to maximizing immunocytochemistry's diagnostic power.
Related Concept Videos
Immunocytochemistry and Immunohistochemistry
Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are techniques that use antibodies to check for specific proteins or antigens in a sample. The technique was first published by Albert Coons in 1941 to detect the presence of pneumococcal antigen in tissue sections from mice infected with Pneumococcus. Immunocytochemistry helps localization of proteins or antigens in individual cells like blood cells, stem cells, etc., while immunohistochemistry does the same for tissue samples.
These...
These...
Flow Cytometry
The development of flow cytometry techniques began in 1934 with initial attempts by Andrew Moldavan, a bacteriologist who counted the cells in a flowing capillary system. Moldavan pumped cells through a capillary tube focused under a microscope for visualization. The invention of photometry allowed the measurement of differentially-stained cells, and Louis Kamentsky developed the first multiparameter flow cytometer in 1965 to identify and count the cancer cells in cervical tissue specimens.
In...
In...
Immunogold Electron Microscopy
Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes immunogold labeling of endogenous proteins with specific antibodies to detect and localize these proteins in cells and tissues. The procedure provides insights into the distribution and quantification of protein under different stimulation conditions offering clues about their functions. Conjugating highly electron-dense gold particles with primary or secondary antibodies allow antigen detection on and within cells, with high resolution and specificity.
Immunofluorescence Microscopy
A fluorescence microscope uses fluorescent chromophores called fluorochromes, which can absorb energy from a light source and then emit this energy as visible light. Fluorochromes include naturally fluorescent substances (such as chlorophylls) and fluorescent stains that are added to the specimen to create contrast. Dyes such as Texas red and FITC are examples of fluorochromes. Other examples include the nucleic acid dyes 4’,6’-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and acridine orange.
The...
The...
Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
Confocal microscopy is an advanced microscopic technique. The prime advantage of the confocal microscope over other microscopy techniques is its ability to block the out-of-focus light from the illuminated samples using pinholes. It is widely used with fluorescence optics to obtain high-resolution, sharp contrast images. Unlike optical microscopes, confocal microscopes use a focused beam of light laser to scan the entire sample surface at different z-planes. These microscopes are, therefore,...

