Microwave fixation method for cytochemistry. For conventional electron microscopy, enzymo-immunocytochemistry, autoradiography elemental distribution studies and staining methods.
More than a decade ago, we introduced a microprocessed household microwave oven for microwave-stimulated fixation. In this paper we present an overview of our experience. We have introduced the use of tannic acid (TA, 0.1%), which is very effective for fixing soluble peptides or proteins, except in the case of enzymo-cytochemistry. In the latter case, a combination of TA with aldehyde in the microwave-fixation step brings perfect fixation, but inactivation of the enzymes and their enzymatic activities.
Mizuhira
V
V
Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Hasegawa
H
H
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography / Q000379:methods; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases / Q000032:analysis; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis / Q000379:methods; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron / Q000379:methods*; D008872:Microwaves; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D016707:Tissue Fixation / Q000379:methods*
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases