bcl-2

bcl-2 is an integral outer mitochondrial membrane protein that blocks the apoptotic death of some cells such as lymphocytes. Constitutive expression of bcl-2, such as in the case of translocation of bcl-2 to Ig heavychain loci, is thought to be the cause of Follicular Lymphoma.

Anti-bcl-2 has shown consistent negative reaction on reactive germinal centers and positive staining of neoplastic follicles in Follicular Lymphoma. Consequently, this antibody is valuable when distinguishing between reactive and neoplastic follicular proliferation in lymph node biopsies. This antibody may also be used in distinguishing between those Follicular Lymphomas that express bcl-2 protein and the small number in which the neoplastic cells are bcl-2-negative. Anti-bcl-2 has been used as a predictive biomarker for recurrence of Cancer of the Breast and Non-Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Lung.

Anti-bcl-2 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 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.