Enhancement of immunoreactivity among lymphoid malignant neoplasms in paraffin-embedded tissues by refixation in zinc sulfate-formalin.
It has been previously demonstrated that improved cytomorphologic detail can be obtained from tissue blocks initially fixed in 4% formaldehyde solution by means of a "run-back" procedure to an aqueous phase of solution, allowing refixation with a protein-precipitating agent, such as zinc sulfate-4% formaldehyde solution. Because anecdotal experience with immunostaining such reprocessed tissues had suggested improved results, we performed a prospective trial involving 13 cases to compare the intensity of immunoreactivity before and after such reprocessing. In 10 of 13 cases studied with a variety of antibody reagents, we noted a definite improvement of staining, preferentially among those with the weakest original immunoreactivity.
Abbondanzo
S L
SL
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7750.
Allred
D C
DC
Lampkin
S
S
Banks
P M
PM
D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013431:Sulfates; D015032:Zinc; D019287:Zinc Sulfate
D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D005404:Fixatives; D013431:Sulfates; D005557:Formaldehyde; D019287:Zinc Sulfate; D015032:Zinc