Figure 4

Desmin and vimentin co-localisation. Dual immunostaining staining performed on stage III tumor using Alexa 488 (green)- and Cy5 (red)- conjugated secondary antibodies for desmin and vimentin respectively, counterstained with DAPI (blue). Co-expression of desmin and vimentin by the same cell results in overlapping of the fluors, and appears yellow. Scale bar = 100 μm. Large amounts of vimentin staining appear between the epithelial crypts given vimentin is a fibroblast/mesenchymal marker and will stain stromal cells, endothelial cells and pericytes. The co-staining pattern of desmin and vimentin appears to be in cross and vertical sections of microvessels. Red arrows indicate areas of tissue stroma, white arrows malignant epithelial glands and yellow arrows cross-sectioned blood vessels showing co-localisation of desmin and vimentin.