Epitope Retrieval by Microwave Heating

The effects of microwave heating on the tissue sections that result in epitope retrieval are exceedingly complex. A full understanding of the actions of microwaves at the molecular level to facilitate epitope retrieval is lacking. At least two mechanisms need to be considered heat and kinetic energy of the oscillating electromagnetic field. Both possibilities are discussed below. 

The most commonly accepted point of view is that heat is responsible for unmasking the epitopes. In fact, Battifora (1996) has introduced the phrase heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER). Heating at KXPC is a powerful treatment that can unmask hidden, buried, or crosslinked epitopes. Heat can be provided not only by a microwave oven, but also by an autoclave, a pressure cooker, steam, or a hot plate. A consensus on which method of heating is most effective in the retrieval of all types of epitopes is lacking. Therefore, some 

Due to the particular effects of the microwaves on matter (namely dipole rotation and ionic conductance), heating of the section, including its core, occurs instantaneously, resulting in rapid breakdown of protein crosslinkages. Furthermore, the extraction and recovery of a solute from a solid matrix with microwave heating is routinely obtained in the field of analytical chemistry (Camel, 2001). However, a definite, full explanation of the effects of microwave heating on the molecular aspect of antigen retrieval is awaited. 

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