Myelin Basic Protein

Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is a protein believed to be important in the process of myelination of nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). The pool of MBP in the central nervous system is very diverse, with several splice variants being expressed and a large number of post-translational modifications on the protein, which include phosphorylation, methylation, deamidation and citrullination.

MBP has been demonstrated in Neuromas, Neurofibromas, and Neurogenic Sarcomas. However, other spindle-cell neoplasms do not stain with this antibody. Immunoreactivity for MBP in Granular-cell Tumors strengthens the concept of a Schwann-cell derivation of these lesions. Unlike other nervous system proteins such as GFAP and S-100, MBP has not been demonstrated in melanocytes or tumors derived from them.

Myelin Basic Protein is a purified immunoglobulin fraction of rabbit antiserum that is filter sterilized and diluted in buffer pH 7.5, containing BSA and sodium azide as a preservative.

1. Martenson RE, et al. J Neurochem. 1981;36:1543-1560
2. Uyemura K, et al. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1977;100:95-11
3. Penneys NS, Adachi K, Ziegels-Weissman J, Nadji M, Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1983;107:302
4. Mogollon R, Penneys N, Albores-Saavedra J, Nadji M, Canc. 1984;53:1190

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.