10%EDTA Decalcification Solution

In order to avoid difficulties in removing complete sections, it is not recommended to directly embed calcium-containing tissues in paraffin sections. The disparity in density between calcium and paraffin hinders the process. Instead, it is advised to fix the calcium-containing tissues before decalcification or perform both procedures simultaneously. Subsequent experiments involving dehydration, transparency, waxing, embedding, and sectioning can then be carried out. There are various reagents available for decalcification, such as organic acid, inorganic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and electrolysis decalcification.

EDTA is an effective decalcification agent due to its strong chelating properties. It manages to remove calcium deposits from tissues while preserving their structural integrity and retaining important enzymes. Additionally, EDTA-treated tissues can be easily subjected to immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization staining techniques. However, one drawback of using EDTA is its slow decalcification process, which typically takes several weeks to months for complete removal. Despite this time-consuming aspect, EDTA remains a popular choice for decalcifying tissues due to its positive effects on tissue structure and enzyme preservation.