ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the different methods of decoloration for immunohistochemical HE slides,and their influence on tissue antigen expression.Methods Antigen retrieval solution (EDTA or citric acid solution) was used in immunohistochemistry to decolor HE slides,and was compared with the method of hydrochloric acid solution decoloration in normal temperature.Results Antigen heat retrieval decolors completely.Compared with other methods,it has shorter decoloration time (1 ～ 2min),more than 90％ of completely decoloration rate,the difference was significant(x2 =27.6,23.9,all P ＜ 0.01).Meanwhile,the method dose not damage slides,and the immunohistoehemical results are exact,without background coloring and unusual coloring,antigen expression rate and intensity are high.Conclusion Antigen heat retrieval decoloration not only simplifies the coloration process,but also protects tissue antigen activity better.It is the preferable method of decoloration and protecting antigen resource,which possesses some practical value in the pathology diagnosis.