Analysis of protein distribution in cartilage by immunofluorescence and laser confocal scanning microscopy technology (CAT#: STEM-MIT-0135-LJX)

Introduction

Cartilage is made up of chondrocytes and intercellular substance. The matrix in the cartilage is gel and has greater toughness. Cartilage is a connective tissue that is primarily supportive. Cartilage contains no blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Nutrients infiltrate into the intercellular stitium from blood vessels in the perichondrium to nourish chondrocytes.
Protein localization in cartilage sections by antibodies that specifically bind to epitopes of a protein is one of the most powerful technologies in modern cartilage research. Studies using two or more primary antibodies that recognize different protein epitopes allow the colocalization of different gene products in one cartilage section. In addition, specific histochemical stains help to visualize nuclear DNA, mitochondria, and other subcellular compartments. By these immunohistological methods, the distribution of proteins can be analyzed throughout different zones of articular cartilage. In particular, with the use of laser scanning confocal microscopy, subcellular localization of proteins can also be determined (i.e, nuclear, cytoplasmic, membrane-associated, and extracellular).