Microwave Modification of Bielschowsky Silver Impregnation Method for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

A microwave modification of the Bielschowsky silver impregnation method is presented for the demonstration of neurons containing neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The technique is sensitive and reliable in demonstrating these neuropathologic lesions. It shows both discrete and diffuse types of neuritic plaques well. It also offers significant savings in time and cost of supplies because microwave heating allows quicker impregnation and uses a lower concentration of silver than many of the traditional methods or recent modifications. (The J Histotechnol 15:299, 1992)

Keywords:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Bielschowsky silver method
• microwave oven
• neuritic plaques
• neurofibrillary tangles