Collagen Type IV

Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% of the total protein content. Collagen IV is a major constituent of the basement membranes, along with laminins and enactins. It is composed of the alpha 1 IV chain and alpha 2 IV chain in a 2:1 ratio. It can form insoluble fibers with high tensile strength.

Normal tissue stains with this antibody in a manner consistent with the sites of mesenchymal elements and epithelial basal laminae. Antibody to collagen IV is useful in detecting the loss of parts of basement membrane in carcinomas. Collagen IV can also be useful in the classification of soft tissue tumors; Schwanomas, Leiomyomas, and their well-differentiated malignant counterparts usually immunoreact to this antibody. The vascular nature of neoplasms, Hemangiopericytoma, Angiosarcoma and Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma can be observed with this antibody.

Collagen Type IV 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 enzymatic digestion with ImmunoDNA Digestor (BSB 0108 – BSB 0112) or similar product (Proteinase K) using the following protocol:
   • Pre-warm the ImmunoDNA Digestor solution to room temperature
   • Incubate tissue sections with the ImmunoDNA Digestor solution for 10 minutes at room temperature or for 5 minutes at 37° C.

1. Wash slides with IHC wash buffer or DI water.
2. Continue IHC staining protocol.