Neurofilament

Neurofilaments are the Type IV family of intermediate filaments that are found in high concentrations along the axons of vertebrate neurons.

Neurofilament antibody stains an antigen localized in a number of neural, neuroendocrine and endocrine tumors. Neuromas, Ganglioneuromas, Gangliogliomas, Ganglioneuroblastomas and Neuroblastomas stain positively for neurofilament. Neurofilaments are also present in Paragangliomas and Adrenal and Extra- Adrenal Pheochromocytomas. Carcinoids, Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Skin, and Oat Cell Carcinomas of the Lung also express neurofilament.

For long-term storage of the concentrated antibody, it is recommended that aliquots of the antibody be frozen at -20°C in glycerol 50% (frost-free freezers are not recommended). Repeated freezing and thawing must be avoided. Dilute using Protein Block/Antibody Diluent.

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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.