Effects of demineralization in an ethanolic solution of triethylammonium EDTA on solubility of bone matrix components and on ultrastructural preservation.

A solution of triethylammonium EDTA in 80% ethanol was evaluated as a demineralizing reagent for bone in comparison with aqueous solutions of EDTA. Biochemical analysis and acrylamide gel electrophoresis of extracts of finely powdered bovine bone showed that most of the macromolecular components of the organic matrix extractable in aqueous EDTA were retained when the triethylammonium EDTA reagent was used. Ultrastructural examination of chick tibias decalcified with the reagents showed a better preservation of cellular morphology, especially the membranous components, and more uniformly distributed ground substance, though slightly less in quantity, when the aqueous reagent was used. Use of the two reagents appears to be complementary, the alkylammonium reagent being more appropriate for use in studies of the organic matrix of bone, including immunohistochemical studies of bone glycoproteins. The aqueous reagent is more appropriate for use in studies of cellular ultrastructure.