AbstractA microwave modification of the methenamine silver technique is detailed for the demonstration of Alzheimertype pathology. This method is compared with a microwave modification of the Bielschowsky silver stain and other modifications of the methenamine silver stain as well as with the original Bodian silver stain andβ-amyloid immunohistochemistry for the demonstration of plaque formation. The efficiency of the methenamine silver stain was remarkably improved by microwave heating (reducing the staining procedure time to 15 min on average). In addition, different microwave energy levels and timing in combination with gold-toning mimicked the appearance of either the Bielschowsky silver orβ-amyloid immununohistochemical stains. By utilizing microwaves we have been able to refine the methenamine silver stain to produce a flexible, consistent, time-efficient and cost-effective stain for Alzheimertype pathology. (The J Histotechnol19:33, 1996)