DETECTION OF INTEGRINS IN FORMALIN-FIXED, PARAFFIN-EMBEDDED TISSUES

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors, which are express ed in many cells. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that integrin s may be important in tumor progression and organ development. The fun ctions of integrins were previously studied in cell cultures and their tissue expression was detected by immunofluorescence or immunoperoxid ase in frozen sections. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for detection of integrins in formalin-fixed, para ffin-embedded tissues. We utilized microwave heating and enzyme digest ion in routinely processed, surgically removed tissues. Our results de monstrate that integrins can be reliably detected in archival material . This approach will facilitate further investigation of the role play ed by integrins in human malignancies and in developmental processes.