ISSN:
1365-2133
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
SUMMARY.– Basic technical aspects of immunofluorescence (IF) methods such as section cutting, substrate tissue, the purity of the fluorescein labelled antisera, and the optical properties of the fluorescence microscope, are discussed in relation to standardizing them. Direct and indirect fluorescence methods are mentioned.For IF study of the skin epi-illumination has the advantage that no darkfield image of green excitation light (often still transmitted by some filter combinations) is mistaken for green FITC fluorescence. Also epi-illumination gives a better contrast and therefore it is possible to dilute the antisera and conjugates more than before to reduce non-specific staining.The immunopathological findings in various dermatoses are briefly discussed in relation to diagnosis. Interpretation of the findings is affected by the use of a vertical illuminator with interchangeable dichroic mirrors for epi-illumination. The main finding concerns the location of Ig-complement complexes in the dermis in various dermatoses. Also the fluorescence of vessels in ‘normal’ and affected skin in various dermatoses is discussed. These include lupus erythematosus, and include results of a study of immunofluorescence and autotransplantation reactions, dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigoid, allergic vasculitis, cutaneous amyloidosis, and porphyria-erythropoietic and cutanea tarda varieties. The participation of complement in various immunological reactions is commented upon.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1970.tb07987.x
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