Antigen Unmasking on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues Using Microwaves

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Abstract
Antigen detection in routinely formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens is a commonly used working tool for the pathologist. However, fixation induces masking of many antigens of diagnostic or prognostic value. The type and length of fixation have an important influence on the extent of antigen masking. Traditionally, unmasking has been accomplished by enzymatic treatment of the deparaffinized sections with various proteolytic enzymes, e.g., trypsin and pronase. In recent years, nonenzymatic antigen unmasking, or antigen retrieval,“ methods have been developed. Most of these methods use brief high-temperature(S100°C) exposure of the deparaffinized sections in various solutions. Time of exposure and type molarity and composition of the solutions are the variables affecting the success of antigen unmasking. The nonenzymatic antigen unmasking technique is reviewed and the methodology is discussed.

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