Immunohistological marker molecules

Immunohistology as well as a wide range of other biomolecular techniques depend on the use of labeled antibodies. Labelings such as radiolabels, fluorophores or enzymes may be used as reporters in distinct assay formats. Immunohistology in its proper meaning will depend on procedures which enable the identification and characterization of cellular structure and function in situ. Hence, the respective probe (antibody) must be “labeled” in some way so that the antigen-antibody reaction becomes clearly visible. Marker substances for labeling purposes are for example those which lead to distinct colors (light microscopy) or which lead to defined electron scattering (electron microscopy). Milestones in light microscopy were the introduction of fluorochromes by AH COONS and coworkers (1941) and, in the case of electron microscopy, the conjugation of the metalloprotein ferritin with antibodies by SJ SINGER (1959).