Immunofluorescence in Dermatology

Abstract

The article reviews the use of immunofluorescence in diagnosis and how it helps in defining the pathomechanism of various diseases. The methods of preparation of conjugated antisera, their standardization and use are described. The two principle techniques are direct staining in which fluorescein labelled antibody is added to detect substances i.e. antigen in the tissues and indirect staining, in which unconjugated antibody is added to the section, and any fixed antibody is detected by the subsequent addition of conjugated antiglobulin sera. It has greatly increased the opportunity to diagnose pemphigus, pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, lupus erythematosus and certain other dermatological disorders particularly in atypical cases.