IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF THE EFFECTS OF TOXIC INJURY ON THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Immunohistochemistry currently is the most powerful tool to identify s pecific molecules in situ. Moreover, antibodies can detect modificatio ns of cellular polypeptides that occur naturally or as a result of tox ic or other injuries. Here we report on a variety of parameters (fixat ion, tissue pretreatments, chromagen intensification, etc.) that we fo und to enhance immunohistochemical staining. Further, the use of well characterized antibodies and concomitant immunoblotting help avoid fal se positive results in immunohistochemistry. Finally, the sensitivity of the immunohistochemical procedure, regional differences in immunost aining within the central nervous system, as well as the recognition o f equivalent molecules across different animal species are discussed.