A comparison of two immunoperoxidase staining methods based on the avidin-biotin interaction.

Two immunoperoxidase staining systems based on the avidin-biotin interaction were compared, using monoclonal antibodies and conventional antisera in cryostat and paraffin sections, respectively. Efficiencies were compared with respect to the highest titer of primary antibody that could be used to detect antigen. The labeled avidin-biotin (LAB) method (primary antibody-biotinylated secondary antibody-avidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate) was found to be more efficient than the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) kit method (primary antibody-biotinylated secondary antibody-ABC "complex") by factors of 4-8 with respect to the detection of lymphocyte surface antigens in cryostat sections and the detection of immunoglobulins, prostate-specific antigen, and keratin in paraffin sections.