[Histonet] CD marker help [particularly CD68]

[Till, Renee]

Hello! I have been trying to get CD68 (CD11b and F4/80 as well, though I am focusing on the CD68 for now)on some mouse adipose tissue and have been getting varying results. I don't have any experience working with CD marker or doing IHC on adipose tissue. Without getting into the whole long process I have had trying to optimize this antibody, I am hoping someone can answer a couple of questions for me.
1. Can CD marker, and CD68 in particular, be picky  as far as needing fresh cut FFPE slides? With everything I have tried, this is the only thing I can come up with for the inconsistencies I have experienced.
2. Positive control. I do not have one. Any suggestions? At least I do not have a positive control adipose block. I have tried mouse spleen, lung, and duo, and all have worked, but not consistently, and not in keeping with my adipose test slides. I can have beautiful stained spleen and duo, but my adipose slide will be completely brown. I believe I have about worked this issue out....as far as getting good staining on the fat and the control tissues, but then I encounter what led to my question #1.


Renee' Fox, HT (ASCP)
Research Assistant
Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center
15 Children's Way./N2021
Little Rock, AR 72202
Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments,
is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain
confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized review,
use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not the 
intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply
e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message..