Desmin

Desmin is a type of intermediate filament found near the Z line in sarcomeres. Both vimentin and desmin are characteristics of mesenchymal cells.

Desmin antibody detects a protein that is expressed by cells of normal smooth, skeletal and cardiac muscles. The light microscope has suggested that Desmin is primarily located at or near the periphery of Z lines in striated muscle fibrils. In smooth muscle, Desmin interconnects cytoplasmic dense bodies with membranebound dense plaques. Desmin antibody reacts with Leiomyomas, Rhabdomyomas, and Perivascular cells of Glomus Tumors of the skin (if they are of myogenic nature). This antibody is used to demonstrate the myogenic components/derivation of tumors.

Desmin antibody 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.

1. Nadji M, et al. Immunoperoxidase Techniques. 1986;ASCP
2. Altmannsberger M, et al. Am J Pathol. 1985;118:85-95
3. Debus E, et al. EMBO J. 1983;2:2305-2312

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.