Enhanced demonstration of cell surface immunoglobulins in paraffin-processed tissue

A review of immunohistology, involving the more commonly encountered fixation protocols and the use of proteolytic agents, was undertaken in an attempt to establish a method whereby cell surface immunoglobulins could be reliably demonstrated in routinely processed paraffin tissue sections. Immunoglobulin D (IgD) was selected as a suitable antigen for detection in reactive lymphoid tissues, since it is known to be present both on the cell surface and in the cytoplasm. Using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique and the alkaline phosphatase/anti-alkaline phosphatase technique as standard methods, only cytoplasmic IgD was identifiable in paraffin sections with monoclonal antibodies. However, using polyclonal antisera a technique was established in which membrane-bound IgD was also demonstrated in paraffin sections.