Description
IHC Zinc Fixative is an alternative fixative to formalin fixation of tissue for paraffin embedded sections. 10% neutral buffered formalin fixes the tissue by cross-linking proteins that may cause a conformational change or "masking" of the antigenic epitope leading to reduced or absent antibody reactivity. Different antigen retrieval techniques are used to unmask the epitope (try the BD Retrievagen A and BD Retrievagen B solutions). However, many times it is not possible to retrieve the epitope and get optimal immunohistochemical staining. In these situations we recommend the fixation of the tissue with our IHC Zinc Fixative which falls in the category of a milder fixative compared to formalin. It was found that Zinc-fixed paraffin embedded sections showed very good immunostaining with many leukocytes markers and depicted tissue morphology comparable to formalin-fixation. Use of antigen retrieval techniques on the Zinc-fixed paraffin sections may further enhance the antibody reactivity in some cases. However, there are a few antigens that are not preserved by Zinc-fixation either and in these situations the use of fresh frozen tissue for immunohistochemical staining is the only alternative.
Suggested Companion Products
10X Zinc Fixative (Formalin Free) RUO 500mLCat No: 552658
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Preparation and Storage
Store undiluted at room temperature.Note: Investigators shouldbe aware that in some cases where the IHC Zinc Fixative has been stored at below room temperature, a small amount of precipitate may be observed. Although the fixative will still work well, it is recommended to remove the precipitate, such as by filtration.
Product Notices
- Please refer to www.bdbiosciences.com/pharmingen/protocols for technical protocols.
IHC Zinc Fixative is provided as a ready to use solution. For optimal immunohistochemical preservation of antigens, IHC Zinc Fixative is recommended prior to processing and embedded into paraffin blocks. Fix tissues by placing freshly dissected tissue pieces (no larger than 3 mm in thickness) in IHC Zinc Fixative and allowing to sit for 24 - 48 hours at room temperature. Tissues can then be processed according to a normal processing procedure with the exception of IHC Zinc Fixative in station #1 in place of 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues can then be embedded into a paraffin block for storage until microtome sectioning.
