Enzyme-antibody histochemistry. A method for detection of collagens collectively.

Different types of distinct molecular forms of collagen are components of the extracellular matrix in most tissues. The common types can usually be detected by immunohistochemical methods but others may escape detection for lack of specific antisera. However, all these collagens are substrates for the collagenase of Clostridium histolyticum. In this report we describe a method that allows the visualization of collagens, collectively, in a tissue preparation. The method is based on the affinity between clostridial collagenase and collagen on one hand, and collagenase and its antibody on the other. Under the conditions of low temperature used in the procedure, collagenase binds to collagen, but digestion does not occur. Subsequent reaction of the bound collagenase with the specific collagenase antibody is followed by reaction with a tagged anti-IgG reagent. This allows the visualization of the enzyme-substrate complex. The procedure is illustrated in sections of the heart and the aorta, as well as in the isolated cardiomyocytes and the collagen distribution is verified using collagens type I and IV specific antibodies. In all instances the collagenase staining pattern includes all structural features seen individually with the type specific anticollagen antibodies.