The reference within a reference from Ray is A Chimeric Form of Osteoprotegerin Inhibits Hypercalcemia and Bone Resorption Induced by IL-1β, TNF-α, PTH, PTHrP, and 1,25(OH)2D3 . Sean Morony et al . J Bone Mineral Res V 14, pp 1478-1485.
However, the formic acid decalcification method is not described in detail and merely says "formic acid" but whether this is buffered formic acid or just dilute formic acid in water only is not stated. Ray might elaborate on what specific formic acid recipe he used as many in research don't always use buffered formic acid decalcifiying solutions. I would assume Morony et all used a buffered formic acid with either sodium formate or sodium citrate and controlled so as to not overexpose TRAP to acids longer than necessary. One publication, i.e., Eggert and Germain. Stable Acid Phosphatase I. Demonstration and Distribution. Histochem 66, pp 301-317, 1980) discussed in detail the rapid demineralization in acidic buffers i.e. buffered formic acid for staining of stable forms of acid phosphatase. I have both of these publications on file and will forward privately. I would err on the side of using a buffered formic acid with either sodium formate or sodium citrate for doing this and use decalcification endpoint testing to avoid over exposure to acid i.e. over decalcification. Take care Gayle M. Callis HTL/HT/MT(ASCP) _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet