Immuno and Lectin Histochemistry for Renal Electron Microscopy

The combination of histochemical techniques and electron microscopy is a powerful tool to study the mechanisms and pathology of renal disease. Through the use of electron-dense markers such as colloidal gold, biologists are able to localize immune deposits, cellular receptors, and extracellular proteins, amongst others. In this chapter, the protocols for making colloidal gold, conjugating colloidal gold to protein A, and post-embedding labeling with a protein A–gold complex are described. Finally, a parallel technique for histochemical labeling with lectin–gold complexes is provided.