[Histonet] Davidson's fixative and IHC question

[jsjurczak at comcast.net]

Is this a good fixative for fetal brain? Anybody have any suggestions as to protocols? Do any of the readers here do fetal (human) brain on a regular basis? 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Bob Richmond via Histonet" <histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu> 
To: "Histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu" <histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu> 
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 3:22:50 PM 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Davidson's fixative and IHC question 

Several queries about the possible effect of Davidson's fixative on 
immunohistochemistry. 

I have a lot of experience with Davidson's fixative, but none with its 
effect on IHC. 

Davidson's fixative is easily prepared: 

3 parts tap water 
3 parts ethanol or reagent alcohol 
2 parts 37% formalin (not neutral buffered formalin) 
1 part glacial acetic acid 

It is quite destructive to H & E staining if fixation is at all prolonged. 
Tissue should be taken out of it in not more much more than 24 hours. 

The history of Davidson's fixative is somewhat obscure - I have a good bit 
of information on it. John Kiernan has said he'll work on ascertaining more 
about its history if he ever has the time. 

Bob Richmond 
Samurai Pathologist 
Maryville TN 
_______________________________________________ 
Histonet mailing list 
Histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet