Table of Contents
Choosing an Enzyme Substrate
Vector Laboratories M.O.M. (Mouse on Mouse) IHC Kits are specifically designed to localize mouse primary antibodies on mouse tissue while avoiding background staining. These M.O.M. Kits contain our proprietary M.O.M. Mouse Ig Blocking Reagent. M.O.M. Kits are available based on either avidin-biotin technology (M.O.M. Elite® ABC Kit or Basic Kit) or polymer technology (M.O.M. ImmPRESS® HRP Polymer Kit). Use the M.O.M. IHC kits to introduce two or more different labels using a multiple antigen labeling protocol. You can detect several mouse primary antibodies on the same tissue section, regardless of the species of the tissue. Excellent staining results for a once difficult application have now become routine with the Vector® M.O.M. IHC Kits.
Vector Laboratories enzyme substrates produce a range of sensitivities across a broad palette of colors.
Consider the following factors when choosing a substrate to match the enzyme in your detection system and your application.
- Sensitivity. Substrates differ in sensitivity. Some may increase in sensitivity with longer incubation times.
- Color. Color contrast is essential in multiple antigen labeling applications, in pigmented tissues such as melanomas, and in counterstained tissues. Where performance is equal, color choices might also depend on personal preference.
- Visualization. Visualization options include brightfield, fluorescence, darkfield, electron microscopy, and spectral imaging.
- Heat Resistance. For IHC/ISH double-labeling applications, the heat-resistant substrate is applied first with an IHC protocol, followed by ISH detection that includes a heat denaturation step. In multiple antigen labeling procedures requiring additional applications of heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER), apply the heat-resistant substrate first.
