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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Comparison of bleaching protocols utilizing hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical proliferation marker
Tierney Jordan1, Destinee Williams1, Sheila Criswell1
1College of Health Professions, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Melanomas represent the malignant transformation of melanocytes, cells found primarily in the skin to protect epithelium and underlying connective tissues from harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Melanomas vary greatly in morphology and may continue to produce melanin markedly, mildly, or not at all. Performing and evaluating hematoxylin and eosin stains as well as immunohistochemical stains on pigmented melanomas has been a long-standing challenge due to the obscuring pigment. Protocols for removing melanin to reveal cellular morphology have been used successfully for years, but coupling these protocols with stains for immunohistochemistry represents an added challenge. In this study, the investigators evaluated results of various melanin bleaching protocols on tissue morphology, completeness of melanin removal, and immunohistochemistry staining quality. It was found that 1% formamide in 3% H2O2 under bright light without heating outperformed other tested protocols.
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