Combined tyramide signal amplification and quantum dots for sensitive and photostable immunofluorescence detection.

Conventional immunofluorescence detection of biologically relevant proteins and antigens in tissue sections is often limited by relatively weak signals that fade rapidly on illumination. We have developed an immunohistochemical protocol that combines the sensitivity of tyramide signal amplification with the photostability of quantum dots to overcome these limitations. This simple method provides a sensitive and stable fluorescence immunohistochemical alternative to standard chromogen detection.