I need to analyze the fibrotic scar size in a mouse model of spinal cord injury and i used laminin-specific antibody,but it didn't work well.
Can anyone suggest a good antibody?
Dear Zhu,
To stain for fibrosis it depends a lot on what you want to look for. In my experience, staining for alpha smooth muscle actin positive cells is a reflection of the activation of myofibroblasts, which are the main cells involved in fibrotic responses. Therefore, I would try to investigate their presence in the areas of lesion. Abcam has a very good antibody (ab7817). I have used it for IFHC using an alexa fluor 488 green antimouse as secondary and the staining was beautiful. For scar tissue, I think you should look at collagen deposition in the areas of lesion. Masson's staining or picro-sirius red can give you a very good staining for collagen and do not require use of antibodies. I personally prefer picro-sirius red that is also cheaper in terms of reagents.
I hope this information is of help,
Good luck!
Hello Zhu.
You can also stain for reactive astrocytes (glial scar) using GFAP. The GFAP-negative area should be the fibrotic scar at the contusion site.
Greetings
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