NONISOTOPIC IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION METHOD FOR MITOCHONDRIA IN ONCOCYTES

We used in situ hybridization to specifically identify mitochondria in a series of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded oncocytic lesions. Digo xigenin-labeled DNA probes were generated by the polymerase chain reac tion (PCR), with primers designed to amplify a mitochondrion-specific 154 sp sequence within the ND4 coding region. Probes were hybridized w ith mitochondrial DNA under stringent conditions. Oncocytes were stron gly and consistently stained, reflecting the high copy number of mitoc hondrial DNA within these cells. Because of the presence of endogenous biotin within mitochondria, digoxigenin is preferable to biotin as a label for detection of mitochondria.