Antigen retrieval in formaldehyde-fixed human brain tissue.
Microwave-stimulated antigen retrieval has become a widely accepted method in both pathology and research laboratories. Since the introduction of the method in 1991, many groups have tried to optimize and standardize it. This review describes the present state of the art. A standard method for microwave-stimulated antigen retrieval in formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded and nonembedded tissue is presented that results, in general, in very good staining for antibodies used in neuroscience. However, there are still a few antigens that are retrieved not at all or not in an optimal manner. Factors of importance for microwave antigen retrieval are the pH of the retrieval solution and, related to the pH, the temperature and duration of heating. These factors are discussed.
Evers
P
P
Graduate School for Neurosciences Amsterdam, Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
Uylings
H B
HB
Suurmeijer
A J
AJ
D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology; D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008872:Microwaves; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D013997:Time Factors; D016707:Tissue Fixation / Q000379:methods*
D000941:Antigens; D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde