[Microglia detection in the brain preparations after long-term storage in formalin]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunohistochemistry
• Histopathology

Context:

• Archived tissue samples are crucial for retrospective studies but often present preservation challenges.
• Identifying specific cell types, like microgliocytes, in aged or formalin-fixed samples can be difficult.
• Existing methods may lack sensitivity or specificity for degraded or stored tissues.

Purpose:

• To develop a simple, reliable protocol for identifying microgliocytes in archived paraffin-embedded tissue sections.
• To optimize immunohistochemical staining for the ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) protein.
• To validate the protocol's effectiveness on samples stored for extended periods.

Summary:

• A novel protocol for microgliocyte identification in archived material is presented.
• The method utilizes polyclonal antibodies against Iba-1 protein with antigen heat unmasking in a modified citrate buffer.
• Prolonged incubation at high temperatures enhances specificity and allows selective detection in formalin-fixed samples (up to 2 months).

Impact:

• Enables robust microgliocyte analysis in historical research collections.
• Provides a valuable tool for neuropathology and neuroinflammation research using archival specimens.
• Improves the diagnostic potential of stored neurological tissue samples.