The post-embedding method for immunoelectron microscopy of mammalian tissues: a standardized procedure based on heat-induced antigen retrieval

S Yamashita - Immunoelectron microscopy: methods and protocols, 2010 - Springer
S Yamashita
Immunoelectron microscopy: methods and protocols, 2010Springer
We describe a standardized method of fixation, antigen retrieval, and image contrasting for
post-embedding immunoelectron microscopy. Tissues are fixed with formaldehyde solutions
containing Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions at pH 7.4 and then at pH 8.5. After dehydration with
dimethylformamide, the specimens are embedded in LR-White resin. For antigen retrieval,
ultrathin sections are heated in 20 mM Tris–HCl buffer (pH 9.0) for 1 h at 95° C. After
immunogold labeling, the sections are treated with a mixture of tannic acid and …
Abstract
We describe a standardized method of fixation, antigen retrieval, and image contrasting for post-embedding immunoelectron microscopy. Tissues are fixed with formaldehyde solutions containing Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions at pH 7.4 and then at pH 8.5. After dehydration with dimethylformamide, the specimens are embedded in LR-White resin. For antigen retrieval, ultrathin sections are heated in 20 mM Tris–HCl buffer (pH 9.0) for 1 h at 95°C. After immunogold labeling, the sections are treated with a mixture of tannic acid and glutaraldehyde, with OsO4 solution, and then double-stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. The standardized method yields strong and reproducible immunoreactions for many antigens showing excellent image contrast without destruction of fine structures.
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