Mast cells can be detected in IHC by using Mast Cell Tryptase, or CD117 (c-kit) and the macrophages can be detected by CD68 (all can be purchased from DAKO). You could also do CD68 for your macrophages and counter stain after IHC with Toluidine Blue to detect your mast cells.

Hope that helps
Barb Wright

Ian Montgomery wrote:

Any suggestions for a stain or combination of stains, conventional or IHC, that will enable me to distinguish between mast cells, macrophages and fibroblasts.
Ian.

Dr. Ian Montgomery,
Histotechnology,
Graham Kerr Building,
Institute of Biomedical & Life Sciences,
University of Glasgow,
Glasgow,
G12 8QQ.
Tel: 0141 339 8855
Office: 4652
Lab: 6644.
Pager: 07625 702883
e-mail: ian.montgomery@bio.gla.ac.uk