Immunoalkaline phosphatase with cerium-based cytochemistry for double staining at the transmission electron microscopic level.

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of surface antigens on lymphocytes is possible using alkaline phosphatase combined with cerium-based cytochemical methods. Distinctive electron-dense deposits are easily identified at sites of antibody binding. Mouse splenocytes showing surface immunoglobulin localization and human peripheral blood lymphocytes stained for the MHC-Class II antigen HLA-DR illustrate the results. Double staining for murine Ia antigen by the alkaline phosphatase procedure, combined with immunogold labeling of antigens identified on dendritic cells, i.e., NLDC-145, demonstrates the utility of the cerium cytochemical method.