Demonstration of human immunodeficiency virus by colorimetric in situ hybridization: a rapid technique for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material |
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Authors: | E R Unger F W Chandler M L Chenggis C Y Ou D T Warfield P M Feorino |
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Institution: | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. |
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Abstract: | A colorimetric method of in situ hybridization has been developed for the rapid detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material. Following optimization of digestion conditions, biotin-labeled DNA probes are detected with an alkaline phosphatase conjugate. The method is verified using fixed paraffin-embedded cell blocks of HIV-infected and uninfected lymphocyte cell cultures. Hybridization specifically detects both viral RNA and proviral DNA. Formalin fixation for intervals up to 21 d did not significantly hamper the signal under the appropriate digestion conditions; however, Trump's fixation for even 12 h greatly reduced the intensity of the hybridization. This technique for in situ hybridization is amenable to automation, provides results within 6 h, and results in good morphologic preservation. A key feature of the technique is the use of human placental DNA as an endogenous positive control to optimize the empirically determined conditions for protein digestion. |
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