ABSTRACT
Immunohistochemistry is a method to detect antigens in tissues that employs an enzyme-linked antibody specific for antigen. The enzyme degrades a colorless substrate to a colored insoluble substance that precipitates where the antibody and, therefore, the antigen are located. Identification of the site of the colored precipitate and the antigen in the tissue section is accomplished by light microscopy. Diagnostic pathology services routinely offer approximately 100 antigens, identified by immunoperoxidase technology, which are used in diagnosis.
