Abstract:
The technique of immunofluorescence to demonstrate
immunoglobulins complement and fibrinogen is of proven value in the diagnosis
of several renal conditions. The disadvantages of this procesure are the
requirement of fresh frozen tissue, the cryostat and immunofluorescence
microscope and the inability to have permanent preparetaions. All of these
disadvantages would be avoided if formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues could
be used for immunohistochemistry. Ten cases of renal biopsies of patients who
presented with haematuria, and mild proteinuria were selected over a period of 10
months. Both sexes were included and the age raged from 12 to 44 years. The
biopsies were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin and routine stains were
performed. Immunohistochemical stains were done by avidinbiotin complex
method using polyclonal antisera. Histologically the biopsies showed minimal
change and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. Immunohistochemistry
showed granular deposits in the mesangial matrix with IgA and c3, in four
patients. When compared with immunofluorescence pictures of IgA positive
control, the immune complex deposits appeared granular in both and they were
presents in the mesangial matrix. The present results show that it is possible to use
the technique of immunohistochemistry tom demonstrate immunoglobulins in
formalin fixed paraffin embedded renal tissue.
