Immunoalkaline phosphatase with cerium‐based cytochemistry for double staining at the transmission electron microscopic level

Abstract

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of surface antigens on lymphocytes is possible using alkaline phosphatase combined with cerium-based cytochemical methods. Distinctive electron-dense deposits are easily identified at sites of antibody binding. Mouse splenocytes showing surface immunoglobulin localization and human peripheral blood lymphocytes stained for the MHC-Class II antigen HLA-DR illustrate the results. Double staining for murine Ia antigen by the alkaline phosphatase procedure, combined with immunogold labeling of antigens identified on dendritic cells, i.e., NLDC-145, demonstrates the utility of the cerium cytochemical method.