Protein fixation and antigen retrieval: chemical studies

O'Leary, TJ; Fowler, CB; Evers, DL; Mason, JT

HERO ID

1104565

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2009

Language

English

PMID

19886758

HERO ID 1104565
In Press No
Year 2009
Title Protein fixation and antigen retrieval: chemical studies
Authors O'Leary, TJ; Fowler, CB; Evers, DL; Mason, JT
Volume 84
Issue 5
Page Numbers 217-221
Abstract Abstract Fixation with formaldehyde is the first process to which most biopsy and necropsy specimens are exposed prior to dehydration and embedding in paraffin wax. Tissue specimens that have been fixed in formaldehyde have architectural characteristics that are familiar to virtually every pathologist and these facilitate routine diagnosis. Nevertheless, formaldehyde fixation has some deleterious effects including reduction in immunoreactivity and degradation of nucleic acids. Development of methods to counteract these deleterious effects requires an understanding of the chemical events that occur during tissue fixation and subsequent tissue processing. This short review illustrates some of the chemical consequences of formaldehyde fixation and ethanol dehydration. It also provides some insight into the molecular events accompanying heat-induced antigen retrieval.
Doi 10.3109/10520290903039086
Pmid 19886758
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Journal: Biotechnic & histochemistry : official publication of the Biological Stain Commission ISSN: 1473-7760
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No