Toenails do not contain calcium, although an acid may perform some protein 
hydrolysis to break down the protein to may help soften the keratin.  This 
may also damage the antigenic epitope.  Some people use NAIR, or an alkaline 
solution to soften the keratin, beware, high pH also damages alkaline 
sensitive linkages too.

Histonet has many suggestions for softening toenails already, but mostly for 
sectioning purposes.  Check the archives and do a search.

Sounds like a difficult situation for this IHC.

Good luck

Gayle M. Callis
HTL/HT/MT(ASCP)
Bozeman MT 59715


---- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: 
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 2:26 PM
Subject: [Histonet] Immuno on decaled toenail????


> Hello Histoland,
> Is there any techs that have performed an immuno stains such as S100 on a
> toenail?  Had any problems with staining after using a decal  solution?  I 
> have
> stained twice and pathologist is not happy with staining  pattern.  This 
> is
> the first nail that I've had to do a immunohistochemical  stain on to rule 
> out
> melanoma.  Any other advice on softening  toenail?  Sorry for all of the
> questions, but I know this is a great place  to start.  Thanks in advance.
>
> Sylinda Battle
>
>
>
>
> **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL
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