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[Morphologic and clinical study of 131 cases of plasma cell myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics histologic and cytologic features and clinical usefulness of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) subtyping according to WHO PCM classification. METHODS: Bone marrow biopsy plastic-embedded sections were stained with H-G-E and Gomori's stains, and bone marrow aspirate smears were stained with Wright's stain. The clinicopathologic findings were then analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 131 cases with PCM, three types of growth patterns were noted: interstitial (21 cases, 16.0%), nodular (46 cases, 35.1%) and packed (64 cases, 48.9%). Besides, there were three cytologic subtypes: mature plasma cell type (43 cases, 32.8%), immature (81 cases, 61.8%) and pleomorphic (7 cases, 5.3%) types. The age of patients with mature plasma cell type was significantly higher than that of immature type (P = 0.005); and the number of tumour cells in bone marrow smears was significantly higher than that of immature type (P = 0.003). The numbers of WBC and platelets in peripheral blood were also significantly higher than that of pleomorphic type (P = 0.024, P = 0.002, respectively). On the other hand, the number of platelets in peripheral blood of immature type was significantly higher than that of pleomorphic type (P = 0.019). Marrow fibrosis was more frequently observed in immature type than in mature plasma cell type (P = 0.000). The incidence of marrow fibrosis and osteolytic lesions was higher in high risk group than in low risk group (P = 0.000, P = 0.023 respectively). Twenty-one cases (56.8%) of the 37 cases treated with MP or MP and M2 chemotherapeutic regimens showed good response. However, there was no significant difference in treatment response and survival between different subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Each subtype of PCM carries different clinicopathologic features in some aspects. The classification carries important value in pathologic diagnosis and probably in predicting prognosis.

Adult↗

[Study on bone marrow microvascular density in hematological diseases].

To investigate the state and significance of bone marrow angiogenesis in hematological diseases, bone marrow microvascular density (BM-MVD) in plastic-embedded section was examined using acetone-fixed bone marrow tissues embedded in glycol-methacrylate (GMA) resin and by the method of immunohistochemistry. The results showed that bone marrow MVD increased greatly in newly diagnosed hematological malignancies before treatment. BM-MVD in patients with acute leukemia decreased down to the normal range as the controls at the time of complete remission. In the non-remission group, BM-MVD decreased less, but when relapsed it increased again up to the same range as the newly diagnosed hematological malignancies, significant increase of BM-MVD was found in patients with anemia, but in less degree than that in hematological malignancies. It is concluded that bone marrow angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathogenesis and development of hematological malignancy. Antiangiogenic therapy may be able to constitute a novel strategy for the treatment of hematological malignancies including leukemia.

Acute Disease↗

Detailed histopathologic characterization of the retinopathy, globe enlarged (rge) chick phenotype.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphological abnormalities in the retinas of chicks (Gallus gallus) suffering from the autosomal recessive disease, retinopathy, globe enlarged (rge/rge). METHODS: rge/rge affected and age matched control retinas were examined from hatch up to 730 days of age. Thickness of retinal layers at six retinal regions was measured from plastic embedded sections. Morphological features were examined on semi-thin sections by light microscopy and on ultra-thin sections by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a panel of several different antibodies. Additionally, comparative counting of rod outer segments, rows of cells in the inner nuclear layer, and ganglion cells per unit length was performed. RESULTS: The earliest changes observed in rge/rge retinas were disorganization of the outer plexiform layer and abnormal location of the endoplasmic reticulum of the photoreceptors. In rge/rge retinas, cone pedicles were larger, irregular in shape, and usually contained multivesicular bodies. In addition, synaptic ribbons of the cone pedicles and rod spherules in rge/rge retinas were less numerous compared to controls. Large glycogen deposits progressively accumulated in the perinuclear cytoplasm associated with the abnormally located endoplasmic reticuli in accessory cones and rods. Total retinal thickness progressively decreased with age in rge/rge birds. This was accompanied by a decrease in the number of cells in the inner nuclear layer and a decrease in the number of rod outer segments (OSs). Several changes were detected in the rge/rge retinas using immunohistochemistry, including mislocalized opsin immunoreactivity of rod photoreceptors, a decrease in number and disorganization of opsin positive rod OSs (especially in the peripheral regions), a decrease in number of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurites in the distal inner plexiform layer, and activation of macroglial and microglial cells. CONCLUSIONS: As we previously reported, the rge/rge chick has vision loss that is not the result of photoreceptor loss and is unusual in that electroretinographic responses, although abnormal, are maintained until well after vision loss has developed. The phenotype is associated with a developmental disruption of both rod and cone photoreceptor synaptic terminals that progresses with age. It is possible that these changes may be indicative of abnormal circuitry within the outer plexiform layer, and that they underlie the progressive loss of vision in rge/rge birds. Other early changes suggesting photoreceptor abnormality are dilation of photoreceptor cell bodies, abnormal positioning of endoplasmic reticulum in the perinuclear region that is associated with abnormal glycogen deposition, and mislocalization of opsin immunoreactivity in rods. The rge/rge birds develop globe enlargement after the morphological and electroretinographic abnormalities. Globe enlargement in chicks can be induced by a number of different environmental factors. It is possible that abnormal signaling of photoreceptors to inner retinal cells could induce excessive ocular growth in the rge/rge birds. Many of the morphological changes such as retinal thinning seen in older rge/rge birds may be partly the result of the considerable globe enlargement that occurs later in the disease process. Molecular genetic studies to identify the causal gene mutation should help explain the morphological features of the rge/rge phenotype and clarify their association with vision loss and electroretinographic abnormalities.

Animals↗

In situ localization of transforming growth factor beta and S-phase cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

In situ localization of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B) was accomplished in 16 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 11 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases. A modified and greatly shortened procedure for immunohistochemical localization of TGF-B using a monoclonal antibody was undertaken in plastic embedded bone marrow biopsy sections that demonstrated excellent preservation of morphologic detail. In addition, a double-label procedure was developed for the simultaneous detection of TGF-B and cells actively engaged in DNA-synthesis which were labeled in vivo by infusing thymidine analogues. Marked variation in intensity of TGF-B staining in interstitial areas of biopsies was noted among different patients. TGF-B was also conspicuously present in the basement membrane of blood vessel endothelial cells and the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes. Double-labeling revealed that S-phase cells in a number of MDS cases appeared clustered together and that megakaryocytes in S-phase were completely devoid of TGF-B.

Humans↗

Antibodies defining rat endothelial cells: RECA-1, a pan-endothelial cell-specific monoclonal antibody.

We have been searching for antibodies reactive with rat endothelial cells. Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb), named RECA-1 and RECA-2 were produced and tested in immunoperoxidase staining on frozen sections of various rat tissues. Staining patterns were compared to those obtained with the mAbs OX-2, OX-26, OX-43, and the polyclonal antibody to von Willebrand Factor (vWF), which all have been described to react with rat endothelial cells. The RECA-2 mAb showed staining patterns similar to those obtained with OX-2. RECA-1 showed to be the only antibody reactive with all vascular endothelium in the tested tissues. In addition, RECA-1 was endothelial cell-specific whereas all other antibodies crossreacted with one or more other cell types. No reactivity of RECA-1 was found in various tested species other than rat. The RECA-1 antibody was successfully applied in staining of paraformaldehyde fixed, plastic embedded tissue material. Immunofluorescence staining of viable endothelial cells demonstrated that RECA-1 recognizes a cell surface antigen. This was supported by intravenous injection of RECA-1, which showed the antibody to localize along the endothelium lining the vasculature in various organs tested. No reactivity of the antibody was seen when applied in immunoblotting of PAGE-run lysates from endothelial cell cultures and stromal cell preparations. We believe RECA-1 to be a promising antibody for rat endothelial cell studies, and in particular for further defining nature and function of endothelial cell-specific antigens.

Animals↗

Intercurrent cytomegalovirus colitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis.

Acute intercurrent CMV colitis developed in a patient with UC who was receiving prednisone. CMV infection was suggested by light and electron microscopic study of a rectal biopsy taken during the acute episode and was confirmed by serology done nine months later. The microscopic studies of plastic-embedded tissues demonstrated that infected cells were concentrated in a subendothelial location and were presumably macrophages. Epithelial and endothelial cells were not involved. Steroid therapy and the inflammation and repair process (granulartion tissue) of active UC may have predisposed the present patient to CMV colitis. CMV infection has been reported to be more common in patients with UC than in the general population. Detection of CMV colitis in patients with UC could be of special importance since alteration of immunosuppressive therapy may be indicated.

Acute Disease↗

[Study of 161 chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis patients for clinicopathological staging].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of clinicopathological stage of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF) in WHO classification of 2001. METHODS: Histopathological analysis of bone marrow biopsy plastic-embedded sections stained with H-G-E and Gomori's stains and clinical features of 113 cases previously diagnosed as primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and 48 cases MPD-U (total of 161 cases which including male 79 and female 82) were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no significant differences on the clinical features among the cellular phase, collagen fiber phase, sclerotic phase and osteomyelosclerosis of 113 previously diagnosed patients. According to WHO classification 2001 of CIMF, previously diagnosis in 48 cases with MPD-U was WHO pre-CIMF, and in 113 cases with PMF was WHO CIMF-Fs. There were significant differences between of WHO pre-CIMF and WHO CIMF-Fs about clinicopathological features except age. The percentage of immature granulocytes, normoblasts, lymphocytes in peripheral blood, the size of hepatosplenomegaly, and the percent age of tear drop-like red blood cells in pre-CIMF were significantly lower than those in CIMF-Fs (P < 0.05). However, the number of hemoglobin and platelets in patients with pre-CIMF were significantly higher than that with CIMF-Fs (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: pre-CIMF and CIMF-Fs in clinical and histopathological features were different development stage of CIMF, while osteomyelosclerosis is a variant of CIMF, but not an independent disease.

Adult↗

Demonstration of a releasable pool of glutamate in cerebellar mossy and parallel fibre terminals by means of light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry.

The chemical substance(s) responsible for the fast signalling in the mossy fibre to granule cell synapses in the cerebellum has not been identified, although recent studies suggest that glutamate is a strong candidate. In the present investigation, this issue was explored by means of a quantitative electron microscopic immunocytochemical procedure. Ultrathin sections of plastic-embedded rat cerebella were treated with an antiserum specific for glutaraldehyde-fixed glutamate, followed by a secondary antibody coupled to colloidal gold particles. The gold particle density over mossy fibre terminals was assessed in tissue that had been rapidly fixed by perfusion, as well as in tissue that had been incubated in artificial cerebrospinal fluid in vitro before immersion fixation. In both preparations the mossy fibres appeared as the most intensely glutamate-immunoreactive profile type in the cerebellar cortex, and the parallel fibre terminals were also strongly labelled. Corresponding results were obtained at the light microscopic level. Most of the immunoreactivity in the mossy and parallel fibre terminals could be depleted in a Ca(+)-dependent manner by depolarization with a high K+ concentration. These data suggest that the mossy and parallel fibre terminals contain a glutamate pool that behaves as a transmitter pool.

Animals↗

[Stereological analysis of GABAergic neurons and calcium binding protein parvalbumin-containing neurons in the rat somatosensory cortex].

The number of neuronal cells in the rat somatosensory cortex (barrel area) has been estimated by a stereological method, disector, using pairs of toluidine-blue stained plastic embedded 0.5 microns thick sections, 3.0 microns distant from each other. Chemical properties of those disector-counted cells were further revealed by applying postembedding immunocytochemical methods on adjacent semithin sections. Thus we analysed quantitatively the number, distribution and proportion of three types of neurons: 1) GABA negative neurons, 2) GABA-like immunoreactive (GABA-LIR) neurons and 3) a specific calcium binding protein parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactive (PV-IR) neurons, which are a subpopulation of GABA-LIR neurons. The densities of total neurons in the rat somatosensory cortex were 55 x 10(3)/mm3. Of neurons 24% and 12% were GABA-LIR and PV-IR, respectively; almost all PV-IR neurons are GABA-LIR and thus about 50% GABA-LIR neurons are PV positive. The number of total neurons under a unit surface area 1mm2 through the thickness of the somatosensory cortex is 85 x 10(3). GABA-LIR neurons were 20 x 10(3) and PV-IR neurons and PV negative GABA-LIR neurons were 10 x 10(3) and 10 x 10(3), respectively. The laminar distribution of each group of neurons shows prominent differences, indicating that the neuronal composition was different from layer to layer. The density of GABA-LIR neuron was highest in layer IV and especially PV-IR neurons were 2-3 times more numerous in layer IV than in layer II/III, V and VI.

Animals↗

Crystalline muscle inclusions in atypical postinfectious polyradiculoneuropathy.

Crystalline inclusions were found in the muscle of a previously healthy 63 year old male with atypical postinfectious polyradiculoneuropathy. Approximately 12 days after the onset of the illness, biopsy of biceps femoris and vastus lateralis muscles revealed, in addition to changes consistent with early neurogenic atrophy, inclusions measuring 22 micronm in greatest dimensions. In plastic-embedded toluidine blue stained sections the translucent ovoid to angular inclusions were seen in a subsarcolemmal position, adjacent to nuclei. Ultrastructural examination revealed a crystalline structure consisting of parallel dense lines measuring approximately 70 A in diameter with an axial periodicity of 130 A. Unlike rods, the crystalline inclusions were not continuous with Z-discs; rather they displaced contractile and other cellular elements. Their appearance was similar to intramuscular crystals in diabetic amyotrophy and to vincristine-induced and naturally occurring intracytoplasmic crystalline structures. The nature of the crystalline inclusions and their relationship to the basic disease process was not established.

Crystallization↗

Stimulation of megakaryocytopoiesis in mice by human recombinant interleukin-6.

The in vivo effects of purified human recombinant interleukin-6 (IL-6) on murine megakaryocytopoiesis were examined. IL-6 was administered subcutaneously to Swiss Webster mice, followed by evaluation of bone marrow megakaryocyte ploidy, size and frequency, and median platelet volume 24, 48, and 72 hours after the initiation of IL-6 administration. In addition, bone marrow megakaryocyte morphology was examined using electron microscopy at 72 hours. IL-6 (10,000 U per subcutaneous injection) was administered three times during the first 24 hours, three times during the second 24 hours, and twice during the last 24-hour period. IL-6 bioactivity (10 U/ng) was determined using the IL-6-dependent murine hybridoma cell line B9. Megakaryocyte ploidy distribution, measured by two-color flow cytometry, demonstrated a shift in the modal ploidy class from 16N to 32N and a significant increase in the relative frequency of 64N megakaryocytes 48 and 72 hours (but not 24 hours) after initiation of IL-6 administration (cumulative doses of 60,000 and 80,000 U at 48 and 72 hours, respectively). In addition, ploidy levels were increased in animals that received a cumulative IL-6 dose of only 40,000 U (evaluated after 72 hours). The size of recognizable bone marrow megakaryocytes, determined by the cross-sectional areas of plastic embedded bone marrow megakaryocytes, was increased at the 48-hour (60,000 U IL-6) and 72-hour (80,000 U IL-6) time points. Megakaryocyte frequency, measured by flow cytometry, was unaffected at all time points and doses of IL-6. Median platelet volume, measured by electrical impedance, was not consistently altered by administration of IL-6. Electron microscopic examination of bone marrow megakaryocytes showed an increase in the proportion of megakaryocytes with a wide, peripheral, organelle-deficient zone from 20% +/- 9% (SD) in control animals to 50% +/- 7% (SD) (P less than .02) in animals that received IL-6. No changes were observed in the distribution of the demarcation membranes. IL-6 is a potent stimulator of murine megakaryocytopoiesis, in vivo, and appears to act early in megakaryocyte differentiation.

Animals↗

Exogenous ganglioside stimulation of axonal regeneration after nerve transection and entubulation repair.

Adult male mice received sciatic nerve transection at the midthigh level and both nerve stumps were sutured into a polyethylene tube (PT) to bridge a nerve gap of 4 mm. The tubes were implanted either empty, or filled with collagen alone or in combination with gangliosides (GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1b). Following a survival time of 6 weeks, the PT with the regenerating nerve cables were processed for plastic embedding, and morphometric measurements were made on myelinated and unmyelinated axons. The data suggest that local application of exogenous gangliosides causes a stimulation of axonal sprouting in vivo with no effect on the rate of axonal maturation.

Animals↗

Comparative evaluation of bone marrow aspirate particle smears, imprints and biopsy sections.

Comparative evaluation of bone marrow aspirate particle smears, imprints and biopsy sections was done on 30 haematological problems. Core needle biopsy of the bone marrow is a safe and useful procedure. It is a valuable diagnostic aid for measurement of marrow cellularity, metastatic tumours and fibrosis. It should not be taken as a substitute for examination of the marrow by aspiration smear but is a complementary procedure which affords several advantages. Bone marrow biopsy was of maximum utility in myelofibrosis which was diagnosed on biopsy alone. There were three additional cases with normal bone marrow aspiration in which specific diagnosis could only be made from bone marrow biopsy sections. New methodologies i.e. plastic embedding and semi thin sections of undecalcified bone marrow, can be expected to improve the cytological details of tissue obtained by biopsy. Imprint preparations obtained from biopsy can be useful in patients of malignancy but we have found them to be of limited value except in cases of dry tap.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Immunohistochemistry in surgical pathology. The case of the undifferentiated malignant neoplasm.

An ideal immunohistochemical screening panel would be one in which each antibody is 100% sensitive and specific for the target cell type (e.g., markers for epithelial neoplasms, lymphomas, sarcomas, etc.). Anyone who has practiced immunochemistry is well aware that this situation does not exist. High sensitivity is hindered by the loss of key antigens through formalin fixation and routine tissue processing. Although sensitivity can be improved by dealing with fresh-frozen, lyophilized, or plastic-embedded specimens, these procedures are often perceived as inconvenient by pathologists. Specificity is a more insidious problem. With the advent of monoclonal antibody technology, many individuals equated the monospecificity (e.g., marking one antigen a determinant) with tissue specificity. This, of course, is not the case as determinants recognized by one monoclonal antibody may be expressed on cells of different lineage. High sensitivity and high specificity are important for different reasons. By definition, an undifferentiated neoplasm lacks morphologic features to unequivocally substantiate sarcoma, lymphoma, carcinoma, or melanoma. Thus, antibodies with low sensitivity that fail to mark a significant percent of cases will provide inconclusive or erroneous information. The failure of an antibody to stain a particular tissue could be a true-negative (valuable information) or a false-negative (misleading information) result. Obviously, when antibodies have a sufficiently low sensitivity, their use is a liability rather than an advantage. Specificity is obviously important. When an undifferentiated neoplasm is found to be "positive" for a particular marker, there is a tendency to immediately categorize the neoplasm. In this setting, when histologic features of cellular differentiation are totally lacking, an extreme degree of trust is being placed on the immunohistochemical technique. From our earlier discussion it is apparent that perfect sensitivity and specificity do not exist among most immunohistochemical reagents. Accordingly, the safest approach is to use a panel of antibodies that will disclose anomalous immunohistochemical reactions (e.g., a neoplasm positive for both keratin and LCA). Specimens from such cases should be carefully evaluated with additional monoclonal antibodies and scrutinized by light microscopy. Furthermore, while immunohistochemistry provides for rapid and cost-effective diagnosis, electron microscopy may still contribute valuable information. Despite our best intentions and desires, it is also clear that a small percentage of "undifferentiated" neoplasms will remain undifferentiated. Quality control and quality assurance are two final, but important, issues to address. An extraordinary large number of variables in tissue selection, fixation, and processing can skew results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Details of the female and male pathway of the Keimbahn determined by enzyme histochemical and autoradiographic studies.

Autoradiographic studies and the use of enzyme histochemistry have revealed that early germ line cells (female and male PGC, oogonia, prediplotene oocytes and prospermatogonia) as well as the more advanced germ cells (diplotene oocytes, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids) show specific patterns of their DNA and RNA synthesis and their enzymatic equipment. The female and male germ lines show similar kinetics up to the arise of oocytes and T prospermatogonia (T for transitional), the final products of a first limited multiplication process of primitive gonia. In former studies we supposed that oocytes and T prospermatogonia are the first exponents of the female and male pathway of the germ line (Hilscher and Hilscher, 1989a). Recently, it could be shown--using the reverse PLM method in slides of plastic embedded material--that the first differences between female and male GC can already be stated at the end of the first proliferation wave of oogonia and multiplying prospermatogonia; that means even before the existence of oocytes and T prospermatogonia (Hilscher and Hilscher, 1989b). Oogonia and M prospermatogonia (M for multiplying) are equipped both with only one active X chromosome. While oocytes traverse the prediplotene stages of meiotic prophase T prospermatogonia prepare for a second extensive proliferation process: spermatogenesis. Oocytes in meiosis are provided with two active X chromosomes, T prospermatogonia possess only one, and the presence of the Y chromosome is not vital for them. However, the Y chromosome is required for the normal course of spermatogenesis characterized by a stock of stem cells, that are responsible for the continuous production of male gamets. The mammalian oocyte--similar as that of insects and amphibia but to a lower degree--acts as pre-embryo.

Animals↗

In vivo defibrination results in markedly decreased amounts of fibrinogen in rat megakaryocytes and platelets.

Recently evidence was provided for a pathway whereby circulating fibrinogen enters megakaryocyte granules by an endocytic mechanism. Synthesis of fibrinogen by megakaryocytes has been reported. To determine the relationship between plasma fibrinogen and alpha-granule fibrinogen in megakaryocytes and platelets, the fibrinogen content of these cells was studied in rats defibrinated by use of Ancrod, a thrombinlike enzyme purified from the venom of Agkistrodon rhodostoma. Unlike thrombin, Ancrod does not induce platelet secretion. Rats were injected with Ancrod (50 units/kilogram body weight) at 8-hour intervals for 5 days. There were no significant changes in platelet counts. Blood from the treated rats failed to clot, and plasma fibrinogen levels were less than 15 mg/dl. Bone marrow from defibrinated rats and untreated control rats was stained immunohistochemically for fibrinogen and two other alpha-granule proteins, albumin and platelet factor 4 (PF4), in plastic-embedded sections. The presence of these three proteins in platelets was detected by Western blots. Only trace amounts of fibrinogen were detected in megakaryocytes and platelets from defibrinated rats, but fibrinogen in control megakaryocytes and platelets was readily demonstrated. However defibrinated and control rats did not differ in albumin and PF4 content in megakaryocytes and platelets. It is concluded that a major portion of rat platelet fibrinogen is derived from plasma by endocytosis by megakaryocytes.

Ancrod↗

Some histochemical observations on Gaucher cells.

Plastic-embedded bone marrow biopsies from four patients with Gaucher's disease have been studied histochemically. Concanavalin A (ConA) was found to bind to cytoplasmic inclusions of Gaucher cells; the binding was prevented by lipid extraction or beta-glucosidase digestion. This suggests that glucocerebrosides stored in Gaucher cells are responsible for ConA binding; ConA staining combined with lipid extraction and beta-glucosidase digestion tests may be taken as a tool for the demonstration of Gaucher's cerebrosides of possible practical importance in diagnosis and investigation of Gaucher's disease. An excess of vic-glycol groups with respect to ConA binding-sugar residues and not extractable by lipid solvents are demonstrable in Gaucher cells. Vic-glycols appear to be regularly arranged at the electron microscopy level within Gaucher cell lysosomes along typical Gaucher "tubules", where some kind of interaction between lipid and protein should occur. Acid phosphatase might be one protein species involved in such interaction.

Acid Phosphatase↗

A method of processing tissue sections for staining with cu-promeronic blue and other dyes, using CEC techniques, for light and electron microscopy.

The application to connective tissues etc. of new histochemical and ultrastructural methods involving consecutive treatment with dye-salt baths, specific enzymes, antibodies and decalcifying fluids, is best carried out on sections on glass slides. This ensures uniform access of reagents to substrates and allows the accurate monitoring of the results, as well as exploiting the strengths of the newer reagents (e.g. Cupromeronic Blue) in that they are highly coloured as well as electron dense. However, very high losses of connective tissue sections usually occur in the various solutions, to the extent that many important investigations are rendered almost impossible because of the high cost of the reagents. We describe a technique which we use routinely, that gives very high recovery of sections of "difficult" tissues from multi-stage enzyme and stain treatments, for light microscopy followed by plastic embedding of the coloured sections for electron microscopy.

Animals↗