Some aspects of immunohistoperoxidase reactions in the agarose bead model system

Agarose beads that serve as matrices for antigens can be useful tools, not only for studying the quantitative aspects of immunohistoenzyme reactions but also for detecting antibodies. The present study focuses on localization of the ultimate reaction product within the beads; this factor is important when quantitative aspects of immunohistoenzyme reactions are under investigation. Localization varies with respect to the concentration of CNBr used to activate the beads. In addition, a method is described that facilitates the use of indirect immunohistochemical bead procedures and reduces the amount of antigen (-coupled beads) needed. These advantages may be particularly helpful when these methods are used for serologic detection of specific antibodies on a large scale.