Detection of histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in paraffin sections of formalin fixed rat stomach using avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex method.

Immunohistochemical localization of histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in rat stomach was studied. Formalin fixed, paraffin sections were prepared and immunohistochemical localization of HDC was performed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex method (ABC method). As a result, HDC was clearly detected in the basal portion of the oxyntic glands. The shape of many HDC-positive cells were flasklike. No reaction products were seen in chief cells or parietal cells. These findings are in agreement with the results reported by many workers. Therefore, ABC method of HDC is thought to be a useful technique for the detection of enterochromaffin-like cells using paraffin sections.