[Histonet] IHC, decalcification preferences

[Nicole Collette]

Hello, all,

I am going to be doing some IHC on adult mouse bone, and since I'm 
new to all this antigen preservation stuff, was wondering the best 
way to decalcify? Normally, I use high percentage EDTA (17%) and 
determine end point by weight loss/weight gain. (up until now have 
been using this protocol for LacZ stains, works like a charm! ) We 
are comparing several lines of mice with bone mineral density 
differences, and endpoint is very phenotype and age-dependent. It 
takes a long time, but the results are worth the wait. I also have 
Cal-Rite, which is a formaldehyde/formic acid decalcifier, and 
obviously works much faster. I am leaning toward the EDTA, since it 
seems to work well for the LacZ, which is sensitive to lots of other 
processes, but if there's a reason not to, please let me know. Thanks 
for all your help and support, I have so far been given great advice 
from this listserv.

Sincerely,
Nicole Collette
LLNL/UCB