Variability of immunohistochemical reactivity on stored paraffin slides.
Author(s): Bertheau P, Cazals-Hatem D, Meignin V, de Roquancourt A, Vérola O, Lesourd A, Séné C, Brocheriou C, Janin A
Publication: J Clin Pathol, 1998, Vol. 51, Page 370
PubMed ID: 9708203 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper was to assess the antigenicity of unstained formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections mounted on to slides and stored for up to 10 years prior to immunohistochemical analysis for 11 antigens.
Conclusion of Paper
The authors report significantly altered antigenicity in slide mounted FFPE specimens stored for as little as 3 months, although results were antigen-specific. While 7 antigens displayed no difference in immunostaining, immunopositive staining was absent (ER), diminished (CD3, chromogranin), or more intense (vimentin) after prolonged slide storage for 4 antigens.
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the antigenicity of unstained slide-mounted FFPE sections stored for up to 10 years in the dark at room temperature. The authors tested breast carcinoma, lymphoma, and neuroendocrine tumor tissue with antibodies to cytokeratin, epithelial membrane, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, PS100, chromogranin, CD45, CD20, CD3, CD30, and estrogen receptor.
Summary of Findings:
Slides containing FFPE tissue sections stored prior to analysis yielded antigen- and storage duration- specific results with reference to immunostaining occurrence and intensity. Compared to fresh cut controls of the same paraffin block, the authors report that staining for: (a) chromagranin was weaker on slides stored for 3-10 years, slightly reduced on slides stored 1 year, and not significantly different on slides stored for 3 months; (b) CD3 was weaker on slides stored for 3-10 years, slightly reduced on slides stored 1 year, and not significantly different on slides stored for 3 months; (c) estrogen receptor weak or absent on slides stored for 1 year, and reduced on slides stored for 3 months; (d) vimentin was more intense on slides stored for 3 - 10 years. No differences were reported in staining for the other antigens tested.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- Formalin
Diagnoses:
- Neoplastic - Carcinoma
- Neoplastic - Other
- Neoplastic - Lymphoma
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Protein Immunohistochemistry Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Storage Storage duration Less than or equal to 1 week
3 months
1 y
3-10 y
Immunohistochemistry Specific Targeted peptide/protein Cytokeratin
Epithelial membrane
Vimentin
Smooth muscle actin
PS100
Chromogranin
CD45
CD20
CD3
CD30
Estrogen receptor