Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry Techniques for Labeling Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a common and highly effective method for staining histological samples for specific molecular targets. The large number of antibodies available allow for robust and flexible methods for a wide variety of experimental designs. The strengths of the method are amplified with fluorescence immunohistochemistry, in which the targets are bound to a conjugated fluorescent tag. Here we present two protocols for fluorescence IHC that have strengths and weaknesses in balance with each other, with the choice of method depending on the individual goals of the desired experiment. These protocols are efficient and robust for staining metabotropic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system and can be modified to include additional steps (e.g., epitope retrieval) as needed.