immunocytochemistry

Techniques for staining cells or tissues using antibodies against the appropriate antigen. Although in principle the first antibody could be labelled, it is more common (and improves the visualization) to use a second antibody directed against the first (an anti-IgG). This second antibody is conjugated either with fluorochromes, or appropriate enzymes for colorimetric reactions, or gold beads (for electron microscopy), or with the biotin-avidin system, so that the location of the primary antibody, and thus the antigen, can be recognized.