CD56

CD56 or Neural-Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) is a homophilic binding glycoprotein expressed on the surface of neurons, glia and skeletal muscle. CD56 has been implicated in cell-cell adhesion, neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory.

Normal cells that stain positively for CD56 include NK cells, activated T-cells, brain and cerebellum, and neuroendocrine tissues. Tumors that are CD56-positive are Myeloma, Myeloid Leukemia, Neuroendocrine tumors, Wilm’s Tumor, Adult Neuroblastoma, NK/T cell Lymphomas, Pancreatic Acinar-cell Carcinoma, Pheochromocytoma, and Small-cell Lung Carcinoma. It is also expressed on some mesodermally-derived tumors (Rhabdomyosarcoma). Ewing’s Sarcoma/PNET is CD56-negative.

CD56 is a mouse monoclonal antibody derived from cell culture supernatant that is concentrated, dialyzed, filter sterilized and diluted in buffer pH 7.5, containing BSA and sodium azide as a preservative.

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1. Cut and mount 3-4 micron formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues on positive charged slides.
2. Air dry for 2 hours at 58° C.
3. Deparaffinize, dehydrate and rehydrate tissues.
4. Subject tissues to heat epitope retrieval using a suitable retrieval solution such as ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate (BSB 0020-BSB 0023) or EDTA (BSB 0030-BSB 0033).
5. Any of three heating methods may be used:
   • Electric Pressure Cooker
     Place standoff rack at base of pressure cooker. Add 1-2 inches of distilled water to the pressure cooker and turn heat to high, and incubate for 15 minutes. Open and immediately transfer slides to room temperature.
   • Water Bath Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a water bath set at 95°-99° C. Incubate for 30-60 minutes.
   • Conventional Steamer Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a Steamer, cover and steam for 30-60 minutes.
6. After heat treatment, transfer slides in ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA to room temperature and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
7. Wash slides with IHC wash buffer or DI water.
8. Continue IHC staining protocol.