{"id":5546,"date":"2018-02-23T22:51:21","date_gmt":"2018-02-24T01:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/en-mol.icb.usp.br\/?page_id=5546"},"modified":"2026-08-23T16:09:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T19:09:31","slug":"1-28-basic-concepts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mol-en.icb.usp.br\/index.php\/1-28-basic-concepts\/","title":{"rendered":"1-28 Basic concepts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PREPARATION OF HARD TISSUES – BONE AND TEETH – 2<\/strong>
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\nDECALCIFICATION<\/p>\n

To obtain thin sections of bone and teeth using a standard microtome, these tissues can first undergo decalcification, a process that removes the calcium salts deposited in their extracellular matrix.
\nDecalcification can be performed in several ways. One of the most common methods is to immerse bone or tooth fragments in a solution that gradually removes the calcium salts. Acid solutions dissolve the calcium crystals, allowing the calcium to leave the tissue and enter the surrounding solution. However, prolonged exposure to acids can damage the tissue and alter its structure. For this reason, relatively weak (dilute) acid solutions are generally used, and the treatment time must be carefully controlled.
\nA gentler alternative is to use solutions containing chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Chelating agents are molecules that bind strongly to specific ions, including calcium. They gradually remove calcium ions from the tissue and transfer them to the surrounding solution.
\nDecalcification with a chelating agent is slower but as is gentler than treatment with acids it tends to preserve the tissue structure more effectively, producing images that more closely resemble the organization of the tissue in vivo.
\nAfter decalcification, the tissue becomes softer and can undergo the usual histological preparation procedures.
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Decalcified bone. Hematoxylin and eosin staining.<\/p>\n

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