Hepatocyte Specific Antigen

Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) has been demonstrated consistently in the vast majority of Hepatocellular Carcinomas. Studies have shown the utility of HSA in the differential diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatoblastomas.

HSA recognizes both benign and malignant liver derived tissues including such tumors as Hepatoblastoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Hepatic Adenoma. It recognizes both normal adult and fetal liver tissue. The typical pattern is a granular cytoplasmic staining. This antibody is useful in differentiating Hepatocellular Carcinomas with adenoid features from Adenocarcinomas, either primary in the liver or metastatic lesions to the liver. In recognizing Hepatoblastoma, it is useful in differentiating this entity from other small round cell tumors.

Anti-Hepatocyte Specific Antigen 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. Minervini MI, et al. Mod Pathol. 1997;10(7):686-692
2. Fasano M, et al. Mod Pathol. 1998;11(10):934-938
3. Tsui WMS, at al. Am J Surg Pathol. 1999;23(1):34-48

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.