Role of anti microbial agents in delaying changes of autolysis

ABSTRACT

Background: Formalin is the most widely used tissue fixative. However, it renders tissue unfit for immunohistochemistry by masking most of the commonly useful antigens. Other organ preservation solutions should be tried. To assess the ability of tissue preservation in Ringer lactate, Euro Collins solution [EC solution] and University of Wisconsin solution [UW solution], with and without antimicrobial agents. Experimental study on rabbit renal tissue. Main. outcome measures: Histological examination of the sections to assess preservation by a semi quantitative method. UW solution was found to be the best preservation solution.. EC solution was second, followed by Ringer lactate. The addition of anti microbial agents improved the preservation in the latter two solutions markedly. Ringer lactate with addition of anti microbial agents was found to be a cost effective alternative. Immunohistochemistry should be tried on tissues submitted in Ringer lactate with anti microbial agents