title: MICA-a highly sensitive and avidin-free immunohistochemical detection system.
abstract: MICA is an acronym for mirror image complementary antibodies. The MICA system is a novel, avidin-free immunohistochemical detection system that provides a significant increase in sensitivity compared to traditional immunodetection systems. The principle of the system is the alternate and sequential application of mutually attractive polyclonal antibodies to form a large complex of antibodies which can cross-link tissue-bound primary antibodies. Peroxidase conjugated to the constituent antibodies permits signal generation. The formed peroxidase-containing complex is very stable and, by cross-linking tissue-bound primary antibodies, possesses high avidity for the target antigens, thereby producing high immunohistochemical sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Musculoskeletal Pathology, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK. D.C.Mangham@btinternet.com
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Mangham
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bradwell
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Isaacson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000915:Antibody Affinity; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D007106:Immune Sera