Use of antibodies to norepinephrine and epinephrine in immunohistochemistry.

Antibodies were raised in rabbits and sheep with antigens prepared by coupling NE or E to bovine serum albumin. Tissues were fixed with either 4% paraformaldehyde or 4% paraformaldehyde plus 0.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.3). Cryostat sections were stained by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Two parenchymal cell types, representing the NE and E-storing cells, were observed in the adrenal medulla. In the central nervous system, fibers and perikarya could be visualized by the antiserum to the NE antigen. In the peripheral nervous system, NE immunoreactive fibers were demonstrated. There was no detectable cross reactivity of NE antibodies with regard to E and 5-HT. Cross reactivity of E antibodies to NE and 5-HT equally could not be demonstrated.