Smooth Muscle Actin Antibody [clone SPM332] (V9076)

Description

Actin is a major component of the cytoskeleton and is present in most cell types. This mAb is highly specific to actin from smooth muscles. Its epitope lies in the first four N-terminal amino acids. 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

The optimal dilution of the Smooth Muscle Actin antibody for each application 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 minutes.
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

A 10 amino acid peptide from the alpha smooth muscle isoform of actin was used as the immunogen for this Smooth Muscle Actin antibody.

Storage

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