What is the Difference Between Immunocytochemistry and Immunohistochemistry?

Immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry are both staining techniques used to analyze protein localization in biological samples. However, there are significant differences between the two methods in terms of the samples they analyze and the sample preparation involved.

Immunocytochemistry (ICC):

• Detects proteins in isolated cells, such as single layers of cells grown in culture or from a patient sample.
• Most, if not all, of the extracellular matrix and other stromal components are removed, leaving only whole cells.
• Typically used for cells grown in a monolayer or cells in suspension.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC):

• Detects proteins in fixed tissues, such as tissue sections derived from histologically processed tissues.
• Tissues are either frozen or chemically preserved (fixed) and sliced into thin sections (as thin as 4 μm) before being mounted onto slides.
• Allows researchers to look at the localization of target antigens within cellular components.

Both methods use chromogenic reagents and enzyme-mediated staining to visualize antibody binding. Due to the differences between the methods, antibodies need to be optimized for each method individually.

Comparative Table: Immunocytochemistry vs Immunohistochemistry

Here is a table comparing immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC):

Both ICC and IHC are techniques that use antibodies to detect and analyze specific proteins or antigens in biological samples. However, they differ in the type of samples they analyze and the preparation methods used for those samples.