IHC Myogenin with interpretation Test

Myogenin is a transcription factor which is active in the muscles (myogenic regulatory factor). It is a member of myogenic regulatory genes that includes MyoD, myf5 and MRF4. A set of transcription factors, are encoded by these genes, which are essential for muscle development. Expression of myogenin is limited to the cells of skeletal muscle origin. Myogenin is a useful marker for distinguishing tumors of the muscle lineage especially Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcomas (malignant form of skeletal muscle tumor of the soft tissues). Anti-myogenin spots in the nuclei of myoblasts in developing muscle tissue, and is expressed in tumor cell nuclei of Rhabdomyosarcoma and some Leiomyosarcomas. Positive nuclear staining may occur in Wilms Tumor or nephroblastoma.

• It does not require any sorts of special preparation for the test.
• Take advice from your doctor before undergoing the test. Prior to the test he/she may advice you to stop taking certain medications depending on your condition.
• Drink enough water. Getting yourself dehydrated before the test is an added advantage in any blood test as it nourishes the veins.
• Wearing tight full sleeve clothes are not advisable because usually the phlebotomist collect the blood sample from your arm and tight sleeves may cause difficulty in getting the required superficial vein.

The expression of markers specific for rhabdomyoblastic differentiation is particularly useful in defining lineage in some poorly differentiated/undifferentiated tumors and antibodies to MyoD1 and myogenin proteins have been found to be of most use in this regard. Helps in understanding skeletal muscle growth and its efficiency in repair during post natal and adult life. Variation in the regulation of body homeostasis is identified. Help in Identification of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcomas.

Collecting the blood sample is done as per the following steps:
• The technician locates your vein between the upper and lower arm.
• A band will be used to constrict your arms for easy location of vein.
• Once suitable vein is found, the area over the skin where the vein is located is cleaned.
• With the help of a needle enough blood is drawn from your body for testing.
• Later an adhesive bandage may be applied on that area.
The collected blood is sent to laboratory for further analysis.