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Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry

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Book cover Immunohistochemistry: Basics and Methods

Abstract

Routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections are often appropriate and adequate for the definite diagnosis of pathological lesions. However, in cases where light microscopic examination of tissue sections from biopsy and surgical specimens is inconclusive, immunohistochemistry can efficiently back up histopathology. Albert H. Coons was the first who used a specific antibody to localize pneumococcal antigen in tissues (Coons et al. 1941, 1942). Since that time, the use of antibodies to detect individual antigens in situ has developed into a powerful diagnostic tool. With the broad availability of immunological markers, immunohistochemistry is becoming increasingly indispensable in pathology and in diagnostic pathology of different organ systems. At present, most of the antigens are easily detected both in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples and in ethanol-fixed cytological smears. Over the past 20 years, immunohistochemical and immunocytological stains have therefore become an integral part of routine diagnostic procedures in difficult cases.

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Author notes

  1. Prof. Dr. Igor B. Buchwalow

    Present address: Institute for Hematopathology, Fangdieckstrasse 75a, 22547, Hamburg, Germany

  2. Prof. Dr. Werner Böcker

    Present address: Consultation and Reference Center for Gyneco- and Breast-Pathology, Fangdieckstrasse 75a, 22547, Hamburg, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gerhard-Domagk-Institut für Pathologie, Domagkstr. 17, 48149, Münster, Germany

    Prof. Dr. Igor B. Buchwalow & Prof. Dr. Werner Böcker

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  1. Prof. Dr. Igor B. Buchwalow
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  2. Prof. Dr. Werner Böcker
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Correspondence to Igor B. Buchwalow .

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Buchwalow, I.B., Böcker, W. (2010). Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry. In: Immunohistochemistry: Basics and Methods. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04609-4_13

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