Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin)

A. Solutions and Reagents

NOTE: Prepare solutions with reverse osmosis deionized (RODI) or equivalent grade water.

1. Xylene.
2. Ethanol, anhydrous denatured, histological grade (100% and 95%).
3. Deionized water (dH₂O).
4. Hematoxylin (optional).
5. Wash Buffer:
   1. 1X Tris Buffered Saline with Tween^® 20 (TBST): To prepare 1L 1X TBST add 100 ml 10X Tris Buffered Saline with Tween^® 20 (#9997) to 900 ml dH₂0, mix.
6. SignalStain^® Antibody Diluent (#8112).
7. 1X EDTA Unmasking Solution: To prepare 250 mL of 1X EDTA unmasking solution, dilute 25 ml of SignalStain^® EDTA Unmasking Solution (10X) (#14747) with 225 mL of dH₂O.
8. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: To prepare 100 ml, add 10 ml 30% H₂O₂ to 90 ml dH₂O.
9. Blocking Solution: TBST/5% Normal Goat Serum or 1X Animal-Free Blocking Solution.
   1. TBST/5% Normal Goat Serum: to 5 ml 1X TBST, add 250 µl Normal Goat Serum (#5425).
   2. 1X Animal-Free Blocking Solution: to 4 mL of dH₂O, add 1 ml of Animal-Free Blocking Solution (5X) (#15019).
10. Detection System: SignalStain^® Boost IHC Detection Reagents (HRP, Rabbit #8114).
11. Substrate: SignalStain^® DAB Substrate Kit (#8059).
12. Hematoxylin: Hematoxylin (#14166).
13. Mounting Medium: SignalStain^® Mounting Medium (#84583).

B. Deparaffinization/Rehydration

NOTE: Do not allow slides to dry at any time during this procedure.

1. Deparaffinize/hydrate sections:
   1. Incubate sections in three washes of xylene for 5 min each.
   2. Incubate sections in two washes of 100% ethanol for 10 min each.
   3. Incubate sections in two washes of 95% ethanol for 10 min each.
2. Wash sections two times in dH₂O for 5 min each.

C. Antigen Unmasking

For EDTA: Heat slides in a microwave submersed in 1X EDTA unmasking solution until boiling is initiated; follow with 15 min at a sub-boiling temperature (95°-98°C). No cooling is necessary.

D. Staining

1. Wash sections in dH₂O three times for 5 min each.
2. Incubate sections in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10 min.
3. Wash sections in dH₂O two times for 5 min each.
4. Wash sections in wash buffer for 5 min.
5. Block each section with 100–400 µl of preferred blocking solution for 1 hr at room temperature.
6. Remove blocking solution and add 100–400 µl primary antibody diluted in SignalStain^® Antibody Diluent (#8112) to each section. Incubate overnight at 4°C.
7. Equilibrate SignalStain^® Boost Detection Reagent (HRP, Rabbit #8114) to room temperature.
8. Remove antibody solution and wash sections with wash buffer three times for 5 min each.
9. Cover section with 1–3 drops SignalStain^® Boost Detection Reagent (HRP, Rabbit #8114) as needed. Incubate in a humidified chamber for 30 min at room temperature.
10. Wash sections three times with wash buffer for 5 min each.
11. Add 1 drop (30 µl) SignalStain^® DAB Chromogen Concentrate to 1 ml SignalStain^® DAB Diluent and mix well before use.
12. Apply 100–400 µl SignalStain^® DAB to each section and monitor closely. 1–10 min generally provides an acceptable staining intensity.
13. Immerse slides in dH₂O.
14. If desired, counterstain sections with hematoxylin (#14166).
15. Wash sections in dH₂O two times for 5 min each.
16. Dehydrate sections:
    1. Incubate sections in 95% ethanol two times for 10 sec each.
    2. Repeat in 100% ethanol, incubating sections two times for 10 sec each.
    3. Repeat in xylene, incubating sections two times for 10 sec each.
17. Mount sections with coverslips and mounting medium (#84583).

NOTE: Use of detection reagents other than those specified in this protocol may require further optimization of the primary antibody to account for the different sensitivities of the detection reagents.