Neural antigen detection in mouse tissues is not impaired by decalcification.

We examined whether EDTA decalcification decreases the sensitivity of antigen detection of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded neural tissues. In undissected decalcified tissues, the immunoreactivities of select neural antigens were quantitatively compared with those in dissected sensory ganglia. Decalcification does not reduce either the numbers or staining intensities of antigen-positive neural cells. Tissues are well preserved and complex anatomical relationships are maintained.