Peroxidase conjugates for demonstration of tissue antibodies: evaluation of the technique

Abstract

Conjugates of antibody with the enzyme marker, peroxidase, are relatively easy to prepare and can be shown to have a sensitivity in the indirect test for antinuclear antibodies which is entirely comparable to that obtained with fluorescein labelled material. Clear cut results were obtained in tests for autoantibodies on tissue sections and for bound IgG in biopsies using an antihuman immunoglobulin conjugate. Antibodies to Treponema pallidum were also readily demonstrable. Only a simple light microscope is required, slides can be read without fatigue and the morphology of the tissue section can be easily assessed. It is concluded that the peroxidase technique offers a useful alternative to immunofluorescence.