Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA) 0,1 mL

Specificity and Comments:

Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) belongs to a heterogeneous family of highly-glycosylated transmembrane proteins known as human milk fat globule (HMFG) membrane proteins. This family of antigens is not restricted to breast but may be found widely in secretory epithelial cells and, to a lesser degree, in nonsecretory epithelium (eg, squamous epithelium) and rarely in nonepithelial cells. EMA is best considered a broad-spectrum antibody that is reactive against many types of adenocarcinoma. EMA can differentiate the different origins of glandular organs. Breast and skin adnexal tumors are strongly positive. A lesser degree of staining is seen in carcinomas of the endometrium, kidney, thyroid, stomach, pancreas, lung, colon, ovary, prostate and cervix. Embryonal carcinomas, medullary carcinomas of thyroid, squamous carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and melanomas all tend to be nonreactive or show rare positive cells. Transitional cell carcinomas may show weak reactivity. Note that the cells of anaplastic large cell lymphoma are positive for EMA in a minority of cases. Lack of positive staining for EMA and cytokeratin, coupled with positive staining for vimentin, can be used to differentiate Hemangiopericytomas (vimentin positive) from meningiomas. EMA has been useful as a pan-epithelial marker for detecting early metastatic loci to the bone marrow or liver. EMA or Leu-M1 positivity, when coupled with CEA positivity, strongly favors metastasis to the liver.

Species Reactivity: Human; Others not tested.

Clone: Mc-5

Isotype: IgG1

Known Applications: Immunohistochemistry (formalin–fixed paraffin-embedded tissues).

Positive Control: Breast carcinoma

Cellular Localization:

Cytoplasmic and cell membrane

Supplied As:

Buffer with protein carrier and preservative

Storage and Stability:

Store vial at 4°C. Product is stable for 18 months.