Identification of porcine macrophages with monoclonal antibodies in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues

Here we report the successful use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) BL1H7, BA1C11 (anti-SWC3) and 4E9 for immunohistochemical identification of macrophages in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded porcine tissues. Retrieval of antigen reactivity was achieved by heating the slides in a domestic pressure cooker, which makes the technique suitable for the routine laboratory. This method allows to perform retrospective studies in routinely processed tissues and may be useful to investigate the role of macrophages in different pathological processes.