Polyester Wax Embedding and Sectioning Technique for Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

We have developed a method useful for immunohistochemical studies by combining tissue fixation with buffered neutral formalin and polyester wax embedding. Buffered neutral formalin fixation preserves cell and tissue fine structure, and also the antigenicity of unstable enzymes. Polyester wax embedding makes possible thin serial sections of various tissues and preserves antigenicities for at least 6 months. We have demonstrated using this technique the localization of a-amylase in mouse salivary gland, parietal-cell specific antigen in mouse glandular stomach, and DNA polymerase α and β in chick tissue.