MICROWAVE MODIFICATION OF THE METHENAMINE SILVER TECHNIQUE FOR THE DEMONSTRATION OF ALZHEIMER-TYPE PATHOLOGY

A microwave modification of the methenamine silver technique is detail ed for the demonstration of Alzheimer-type pathology. This method is c ompared with a microwave modification of the Bielschowsky silver stain and other modifications of the methenamine silver stain as well as wi th the original Bodian silver stain and beta-amyloid immunohistochemis try for the demonstration of plaque formation. The efficiency of the m ethenamine silver stain was remarkably improved by microwave heating ( reducing the staining procedure time to 15 min on average). In additio n, different microwave energy levels and timing in combination with go ld-toning mimicked the appearance of either the Bielschowsky silver or beta-amyloid immunohistochemical stains. By utilizing microwaves we h ave been able to refine the methenamine silver stain to produce a flex ible, consistent, time-efficient and cost-effective stain for Alzheime r-type pathology.