Abstract:

Objective  To compare the effects of three decalcification agents on calcific aortic valves. Methods  Samples of calcific aortic valves of six patients were harvested. Each valve was equally divided into three parts and decalcified by nitric acid of 5% (nitric acid group), formic acid of 10% (formic acid group), and EDTA of 10% (EDTA group), respectively. Pathological sections of three groups were observed and compared after H-E staining and immunohistochemical staining. Results  Although the decalcification time of EDTA group is the longest, but the morphological structure of valve tissues was complete and clear and the effects of decalcification and immunohistochemical staining were the best among three groups. The decalcification time of nitric acid group was the shortest, while the effect of decalcification was satisfactory. The decalcification time of formic acid group was short, but the effect of decalcification was the worst among three groups. Conclusion  EDTA is the best decalcification agent for pathological study on calcific aortic valves. When considering the time factor, nitric acid is a good alternative. Formic acid is not recommended due to the poor decalcified effect on calcific aortic valves.

Key words: calcific aortic valves, decalcification agents, immunohistochemical staining