
LifeSpan BioSciences has increased the number of validated IHC-plus antibodies available in its catalog to more than 3,500. IHC-plus antibodies, the company’s flagship product line, consists of antibodies that LifeSpan has validated for use in IHC drawing. These antibodies have been extensively tested against formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissues. Each antibody has been characterized at four different concentrations against 22 normal human tissues, plus additional controls. Immunohistochemistry is widely used to visualize proteins in tissues, and can detect any protein encoded by the 21,000 genes in the human genome. In addition, IHC can detect functionally important protein modifications. To visualize an antibody-antigen interaction with IHC, tissue specimens are fixed in formalin and embedded in wax, and thin sections are placed on microscope slides. After incubation with an antibody, the bound antibody is stained with a dye, and the slides are examined under a microscope by a pathologist to detect specific molecular markers. LifeSpan BioSciences, Inc., 206-464-1554, www.lsbio.com