Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin Antibody [clone ACTA2/791] (V2837)

Description

Actin is a major component of the cytoskeleton and is present in most cell types. It is highly specific to actin from smooth muscles. This mAb does not stain cardiac or skeletal muscle; however, it does stain myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells. This antibody could be used together with anti-muscle specific actin and myogenin in making a diagnosis of smooth muscle and skeletal muscle tumors. In most cases of rhabdomyosarcoma, this antibody yields negative results whereas anti-muscle specific actin and myogenin are positive. Leiomyosarcomas are positive only with anti-muscle specific actin and anti-smooth muscle actin and are negative with anti-myogenin.

Application Notes

Optimal dilution of the Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin antibody should be determined by the researcher.

1. Staining of formalin-fixed tissues requires boiling tissue sections in pH 9 10mM Tris with 1mM EDTA for 10-20 min followed by cooling at RT for 20 min.
2. The prediluted format is supplied in a dropper bottle and is optimized for use in IHC. After epitope retrieval step (if required), drip mAb solution onto the tissue section and incubate at RT for 30 min.

Immunogen

Recombinant full-length human protein was used as the immunogen for the Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin antibody.

Storage

Store the Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin antibody at 2-8oC (with azide) or aliquot and store at -20oC or colder (without azide).