[Histonet] Davidson's fixative and IHC question

[Hawkins, Hal K.]

We briefly experimented with using a fixative for stillborn fetal brains that was a mixture of equal volumes of 20% formalin and 95% ethanol.  The gross preservation and firmness of these very soft brains was improved, and the histology results were fine, but as one might predict, some antigens were not preserved for immunohistochemistry. 

________________________________________
From: Jeff Jurczak via Histonet [histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 3:45 PM
To: Bob Richmond
Cc: Histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Davidson's fixative and IHC question

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
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