[Histonet] The use of reducing agents in antigen retrieval?

[MacDougall, John]

Dear Histonet

We have been trying (unsuccessfully) to use a polyclonal antibody raised against a peptide in some IHC runs.  The antibody recognizes antigen by western blotting only under reducing conditions (i.e. DTT or 2-mercaptoethanol).  Thus, it appears that the peptide/epitope is masked by disulphide bond(s).  Is there an antigen retrieval method out there that incorporates reducing conditions?  Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

John MacDougall