This MAb reacts with a 58kDa protein identified as vimentin. It shows no cross-reaction with other closely related intermediate filament proteins (IFP"s) such as desmin, keratin, neurofilament, and glial fibrillary acid protein. Anti-vimentin alone is of limited value as a diagnostic tool; however, when used in panels with other antibodies, it is useful for the sub-classification of a given tumor. Expression of vimentin, when used in conjunction with anti-keratin, is helpful when distinguishing melanomas from undifferentiated carcinomas and large cell lymphomas. All melanomas and Schwannomas react strongly with anti-vimentin. It labels a variety of mesenchymal cells, including melanocytes, lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Non-reactivity of anti-vimentin is often considered more useful than its positive reactivity, since there are a few tumors that do not contain vimentin, e.g. hepatoma and seminoma. Anti-vimentin is also useful as a tissue process control reagent.

Optimal dilution of the Vimentin antibody should be determined by the researcher.

Vimentin protein purified from porcine eye lens cells was used as the immunogen for this Vimentin antibody.

Store the Vimentin antibody at 2-8oC (with azide) or aliquot and store at -20oC or colder (without azide).