Anti-Factor VIII Related Antigen (vWF, Factor VIII Related Antigen)

This protein has functional binding domains to platelet glycoprotein Ib, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, collagen and heparin. von Willebrand factor is synthesized by endothelial cells and stored in the Weibel-Palade granules. It mediates platelet adhesion to injured vessel walls and serves as a carrier and stabilizer for coagulation factor VIII. Antibody reacts specifically with the endothelial cells of normal, reactive, and neoplastic blood and lymphatic vessels and shows a finely granular cytoplasmic staining. It also reacts with endocardium, platelets, and megakaryocytes. von Willebrand factor is one of the most useful markers to identify endothelial (or megakaryocytic) lineage of neoplasms. However, because not all endothelial cells synthesize (or store) this molecule, about 30% of tumors of vascular origin fail to stain for factor VIII related antigen, regardless of whether they are benign or malignant. Staining for factor VIII related antigen has also been used to measure angiogenesis which reportedly predicts tumor recurrence. Applications: Suitable for use in Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications have not been tested. Recommended Dilution: Immunohistochemistry (formalin/paraffin): 1:40-1:80 for 20 min at RT. Staining formalin-fixed tissues requires boiling tissue sections in 10mM citrate buffer, pH 6.0, for 20 min followed by cooling at RT for 20 min., Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Positive Control: Tonsil, Placenta, Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.