ANTIGEN RETRIEVAL BASED ON MICROWAVE-EXPOSURE IN IMMUNOSTAINS OF MYOSARCOMA TISSUES

Antigen retrieval based on microwave-exposure of formalin-fixed, paraf fin-embedded tissues in a metal solution of saturated lead thiocyanate or 20% zinc sulfate was investigated. Six leiomyosarcomas and 4 rhabd omyosarcomas were studied using the ABC method applying muscle-related markers. Compared with untreated control sections, vimentin and desmi n showed increased staining after the exposure. However, myoglobin imm unostaining was not improved. Therefore, some tissue antigens or epito pes were retrieved that were masked by formalin-fixation, but the retr ieval was not universal.