The influence of antigen retrieval on the results of immunohistochemical staining

Objective To evaluate the influence of combinations of different antigen retrieval methods and solutions basing on the results of the expressions of the antibodies. Methods 10 specimens of lung cancer were processed with microwave, high-pressure matched with citrate buffer solution (pH6.0), EDTA buffer (pH8.0), EDTA buffer (pH9.0) respectively, and then carried out immunohistochemically by Maxvision two-step system. All the sections were observed separately by two independent pathologists, and the results were compared. Results The antibody expression was influenced by different combinations of different retrieval methods and solutions. Conclusion Combinations of microwave retrieval and citric acid buffer, high-pressure retrieval and EDTA buffer(pH8.0) and high-pressure retrieval and citric acid buffer (pH6.0) were good for staining of easily-expressing antibodies in cytoplasm and cellular membrane staining of antibody in cell nucleus and staining of difficult-expressed antibodies in cytoplasm and cell membrane respectively.