title: Formaldehyde scavengers function as novel antigen retrieval agents.
abstract: Antigen retrieval agents improve the detection of formaldehyde-fixed proteins, but how they work is not well understood. We demonstrate that formaldehyde scavenging represents a key characteristic associated with effective antigen retrieval; under controlled temperature and pH conditions, scavenging improves the typical antigen retrieval process through reversal of formaldehyde-protein adduct formation. This approach provides a rational framework for the identification and development of more effective antigen retrieval agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
authors.forename: Craig T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Vollert
authors.affiliation: Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
authors.forename: Wilna J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Moree
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gregory
authors.affiliation: Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bark
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
authors.forename: Jason L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Eriksen
mesh_terms: D000809:Angiotensins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D001921:Brain; D005404:Fixatives / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D048289:Imidazolidines / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D016707:Tissue Fixation; D014325:Tromethamine / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000809:Angiotensins; D000941:Antigens; D005404:Fixatives; D048289:Imidazolidines; D014325:Tromethamine; D005557:Formaldehyde; C004916:ethylene urea; D001205:Ascorbic Acid