Fluorescent Staining
Brief Immunofluorescence Protocol
(Non-conjugated primary and conjugated secondary)
1. Remove embedding matrix
a) paraffin - run through deparaffinization process
b) cryo - rinse in water
2. Dry slightly (don't let tissue dry out; can be done with a KimWipe) and circle tissue with PapPen. Do this for one slide at a time.
3. Add PBS to tissue and hydrate until ready for next step
4. Block with 2% BSA (or blocking solution of choice) for 45 minutes
5. 1 Ab (or PBS for control) for 45 minutes
6. Rinse 4X, 5 min. each with PBS
7. 2 Ab** (or PBS for control) for 1 hour
8. Rinse 2X, 5 min. each with PBS
9. DAPI counterstain if applicable; 1 minute
10. Rinse 2X, 5 min. each with PBS
11. Mount coverslip; seal if necessary
12. Store covered (protected from light) at 4C. Temperature of storage may be dependent on fluorophore.
* Each set of experiments should contain a negative control (the slide is subjected to the same procedure, but instead of adding antibodies all steps receive buffer) and a 2 Ab control (no primary is added, but 2 Ab is added.) If desired, a non-specific primary antibody control may also be performed.
* All steps are performed at room temperature.
** Samples should be protected from light as much as possible after addition of 2 Ab. The easiest way to do this is to cover them with a box or other non-transparent object.