Mouse Monoclonal. Intended for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. BCL2 antibody recognizes a protein of 25-26kDa, identified as bcl-2 alpha oncoprotein. It shows no cross-reaction with Bcl-x or Bax protein. Expression of bcl-2 alpha oncoprotein inhibits the programmed cell death (apoptosis). In most follicular lymphomas, neoplastic germinal centers express high levels of bcl-2 alpha protein, whereas the normal or hyperplastic germinal centers are negative. The antibody is valuable when distinguishing between reactive and neoplastic follicular proliferation in lymph node biopsies. It may also be used in distinguishing between those follicular lymphomas that express bcl-2 protein and small number in which neoplastic cells are bcl-2 negative. References 1. Tsujimoto et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci (USA) 83: 5214, 1986. 2. Clearly et al. cell 47: 19, 1986. 3. Hockenbery et al. Nature 348: 334, 1990. 4. Swanson et at. Applied Immunohistochemistry 1: 182, 1993.