ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to give a general introductory account on the basis of immunocytochemistry, the theory and protocols for the various procedures employed and the localization techniques for the various cell wall polymers. Immunocytochemistry is a very recent discipline and had its genesis due to the presence of an immune system in the animals. The immune system is responsible for the protection of the animal from infectious foreign agents and their toxic products. During the evolution of animals, a number of powerful mechanisms have been developed to not only locate precisely the foreign agents finding entry into them but also to neutralize and, if possible, to eliminate them from their body. All immunocytochemical techniques are based on the specific interaction of an anitbody with an antigen. Purified antibodies are required for a number of direct and indirect immunolocalization procedures. Immunocytochemical localization studies require the use of labeled antibodies.
