For use with Serotec's unconjugated monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.

Note: This method provides a general procedure for use with the majority of Serotec reagents. In some cases specific recommendations are provided on product datasheets, and these methods should always be used in conjunction with product and batch specific information provided with each vial. Please note that a certain level of technical skill and immunological knowledge is required for the successful design and implementation of these techniques - these are guidelines only and may need to be adjusted for particular applications.

1. De-paraffinise sections thoroughly in Xylene/synthetic solvent and hydrate through graded series of alcohols. Wash twice in TBS.

2. If required, treat with 0.3% (w/v) hydrogen peroxide in methanol for 30 minutes to block endogenous peroxidase activity (2% w/v H₂0₂/Methanol can be used for a shorter time if preferred). Wash once in TBS.

3. If required, include appropriate antigen retrieval step to enhance immunostaining (see separate Serotec Worksheet No. 10). Wash once in TBS.

4. Incubate sections for 10 minutes in 10% normal serum from species in which secondary antibody was raised. Tap excess serum off the slides before staining.

5. Incubate sections in primary antibody for at least 1 hour at room temperature in a humid chamber or overnight at 4^oC. Wash three times in TBS.

6. Add enzyme conjugated secondary antibody at recommended dilution (see specific datasheet for details). Incubate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Wash three times in TBS.

7. Incubate in appropriate substrate solution for recommended period of time (Serotec recommends the use of DAB substrate with HRP conjugated antibodies, and Fast Red / Napthol AS-MX for Alkaline Phosphatase conjugated antibodies). Wash once in water.

8. Counterstain in haematoxylin, 2-10 minutes. 'Blue' in running water for 5 minutes.

9. Mount in aqueous mounting medium eg. Histotec (HIS002) or alternatively dehydrate through alcohols and xylene/solvent and mount in synthetic mountant.

Notes:

NB. Note that certain substrates are soluble in alcohol - please refer to supplier information for details.

Appropriate control samples should always be included. We recommend the inclusion of isotype-matched controls in each case. It may also be useful to include a control in which no primary antibody is used at all, to determine any non-specific binding of the secondary reagent to the target tissue.

Please contact Serotec's Technical Services Department for details of recommended isotype controls and secondary reagents for specific applications.

Solutions used:

TBS (stock solution x10 concentrated)

Sodium chloride 87.66g, Tris 60.55g, Distilled water 1 litre. Adjust pH to 7.5 using concentrated HCl.