title: The effects of different decalcification protocols on TUNEL and general cartilage staining.
abstract: Apoptosis is characterized by DNA strand breaks with a 3'-OH terminus, which are analyzed by terminal deoxy(d)-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Proteinase K digestion is thought to be an essential step in the TUNEL procedure. The effects of decalcifying reagents on general staining and the TUNEL assay for cartilage sections are largely unknown. The effects of these reagents on retention and integrity of DNA in chondrocytes have not been described until now. We evaluated the effects of various decalcifying solutions, including 10% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 5% trichloroacetic acid, 5% acetic acid and a commercial hydrochloric acid-based reagent, on general cartilage staining and the TUNEL assay for cartilage. The effects of proteinase K on nucleus preservation were also examined. Decalcification with 10% EDTA gave the best result for general cartilage staining. Chondrocyte DNA was retained and intact after using this reagent. Decalcification with 10% EDTA is also the safest method of decalcification if the TUNEL assay is applied to cartilage. Proteinase K digestion may have adverse effects on nucleus preservation in cartilage. Awareness of these effects is important whenever the TUNEL assay is applied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of Maastricht, P.O. Box 5800 6202, AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Emans
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Bulstra
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kuijer
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003648:Decalcification Technique / Q000379:methods*; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D019343:Citric Acid; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid; D004492:Edetic Acid; D019342:Acetic Acid