Using quantum dots as fluorescence probe to evaluate the immune complex deposits in paraffin-embedded sections.
OBJECTIVE
To detect the immune complex deposits in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) by using quantum dots (QDs)-labeled immunofluorescence technology and to evaluate its significance.


METHODS
Using the fluorescence property of QDs and indirect immunofluorescence methods to detect the IgA and complement C3 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues of IgAN. Minimal change disease (MCD) was used as a control.


RESULTS
Immunoglobulin and a complement were significantly detected in IgAN and manifested as special distribution of intensive salmon pink fluorescence. Compared with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) tagging, QD signal showed better specificity and signal to noise ratio, and QD signal was not significantly quenched after 60 min of excitation.


CONCLUSIONS
QDs can be used to label subcellular proteins and have obvious advantages compared with the traditional organic fluorophores. QDs-tagged fluorescence can be applied as a new method for clinical labeling detection in renal pathology.
Zhu
J
J
Department of nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.
Chen
H
H
Ding
G
G
Zhu
X
X
Zhu
R
R
Yang
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000378:metabolism*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D045663:Quantum Dots
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003176:Complement C3; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate