Histopathology Artifacts Quiz
ANSWER CASE 25
This micrograph shows high background staining. In
immunohistochemistry this can be attributed to several factors. The
most common cause relates to the use of incorrectly titrated or
diluted antibodies. Other causes of background staining relate to
the presence, in tissues, of both normal and abnormal tissue
components. Such background is often regarded as non-specific
staining whereas it results from the presence of high normal levels
of the antigen under investigation. This micrograph shows strong
staining of IgA in mesangial cells while normal serum IgA is
demonstrated in the capillaries. Answer high background staining.

© Roy C. Ellis 2004