Enzyme markers: their linkage with proteins and use in immuno-histochemistry

Abstract

The preparation and use of enzyme-labelled antibodies and antigens is described. First, the enzyme is linked covalently to the antibody or antigen. Next, the enzyme-labelled protein is allowed to react with the cellular antigen or antibody; and finally, the sites of bound enzyme are revealed with appropriate cytochemical staining techniques at either the light or electron microscopical levels. Because the specific activity of an enzyme can be assayed by appropriate enzymological techniques, enzyme-labelled antibodies can also be employed for measuring the amounts of cellular constituents. Similarly, enzyme-labelled antigens can be used for the quantitation of humoral antigens. In addition to the antigen-antibody reaction, enzyme markers can also be used for the quantitation and localization of other specifically interacting constituents. © 1972 Chapman and Hall Ltd.