ascorbic-acid and ethylene-urea

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.

Topics: Angiotensins; Animals; Antigens; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Fixatives; Formaldehyde; Histocytochemistry; Hot Temperature; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Imidazolidines; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Paraffin Embedding; Tissue Fixation; Tromethamine