Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Tissue Fixation”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,081 records · Page 60Linked to original sources

Comparison of snap freezing versus ethanol fixation for gene expression profiling of tissue specimens.

Frozen tissue specimens are the gold standard for molecular analysis. However, snap freezing presents several challenges regarding collection and storage of tissue, and preservation of histological detail. We evaluate an alternative preservation method, ethanol fixation followed by paraffin embedding, by analyzing expression profiles of microdissected cells on Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays of three matched benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and tumor samples processed with each preservation method. Frozen samples generated an average present call of 26% of the probe sets, compared to 4.5% in ethanol-paraffin samples. Eighty-eight percent of the probe sets called present in the ethanol-paraffin samples were also present in the frozen specimens. Comparing ethanol-paraffin BPH to tumor, 52 probe sets showed a twofold differential expression or higher in at least two cases, 23 of which were also differentially expressed in at least one frozen case. Despite a significant drop in the number of transcripts detectable, the data suggests that the obtainable information in ethanol-fixed samples may be useful for molecular profiling where frozen tissue is not available. However, ethanol fixation and paraffin embedding of tissue specimens is not optimal for high-throughput mRNA expression analysis. Improved methods for transcript profiling of archival samples, and/or tissue processing are still required.

Ethanol↗

Phase-partition fixation and staining of Drosophila eggs.

Aqueous solutions of alcohol-acetic acid-formalin or glutaraldehyde-acrolein were shaken with heptane and heptane phase used for fixation. Phase-partition fixation is akin to fixation with vapor. The organic solvent, immiscible with water, penetrates hydrophobic membranes and carries the fixative in contact with water phase of the tissue. Only the fixative enters the tissue, without changing the ionic and water-soluble substance concentrations in the tissue. The quality of this fixation for optical or electron microscopy was as good as that of any conventional fixation method. Staining with basic fuchsin after 2 N HCl hydrolysis gave brilliant staining of nuclei, more intense than that with Feulgen reagent, while cytoplasm remained nearly colorless. Fixing and staining procedures for Drosophila eggs are given.

Acetates↗

[Tubular bodies (Weibel-Palade) in the endothelial cell of glioblastoma].

Authors have studied the ultrastructure of endothelial cells in the microvessels of malignant and benign gliomas and in particular, the numbers of tubular bodies (Weibel-Palade) in endothelial cells of glioma microvessels in related with blood vessel proliferation. Glioblastoma 6, astrocytoma grade II 1, oligodendroglioma 1 and 2 samples of non-tumor brain tissue were analyzed quantitatively using light and electron microscope with Karnovski fixative. All tissues were obtained from the center, the intermediate and the margin in each tumor tissue and just outside of the tumor at operation. 389 microvessels were examined in the total gliomas electronmicroscopically. Tubular body was first described by Weibel and Palade in the vascular endothelial cells of various organs in both man and animals. This is now considered to be an organelle specific to the endothelial cell, but its function is still unknown. Tubular body observed in the endothelial cells of the gliomas vessels consisted of a membrane-limited round, oval or elongated shaped intra cytoplasmic body (about 0.1-0.2 micron) which contained tubules of 150-200 A outer diameter. Tubular bodies were classified in the two types. One of them (mature type) was relatively electron dense to be more compact, the other (immature type) had relatively pale matrix. In the immature type they are located in close proximity to the Golgi complex or endoplasmic reticulum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Astrocytoma↗

Concurrent use of a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous free tissue flap and external skeletal fixation for treatment of a distal antebrachial injury in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical management of a traumatic distal antebrachial wound using a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous free tissue flap and a type I external skeletal fixator (ESF). STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: A 7-year-old spayed, female Labrador retriever. RESULT: Wound coverage and pancarpal arthrodesis were accomplished during a single anesthetic episode using a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous free tissue flap and type I ESF. A second surgical procedure was performed to expedite healing of part of the original wound that was initially left to heal by second intention. CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer can be used in combination with an ESF for repair of distal antebrachial wounds, allowing orthopedic repair and soft tissue coverage in a single anesthetic episode. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Concurrent use of free tissue transfer and carpal arthrodesis with an ESF could be used for repair of complex antebrachial wounds without need for multiple procedures, extended hospitalization, and increased cost.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Biocompatibility of a polyether urethane, polypropylene oxide, and a polyether polyester copolymer. A qualitative and quantitative study of three alloplastic tympanic membrane materials in the rat middle ear.

The biocompatibility of porous implants made of Estane 5714 F1 polyether urethane, polypropylene oxide, and a poly(ethylene oxide hydantoin) and poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) segmented polyether polyester copolymer (HPOE/PBT copolymer), which were selected as candidates for an alloplastic tympanic membrane, was assessed after implantation in rat middle ears for periods of up to 1 year. Implantation of the materials led to tissue reactions initially associated with the wound-healing process, whereas after 1 month not only the presence of macrophages and foreign-body giant cells surrounding the implant materials but also implant degradation were characteristic for a foreign-body reaction. Macrophages and foreign-body giant cells dominated the picture of the tissue surrounding polypropylene oxide. The altered morphology of these cells, the persistent infiltration of the implantation sites by exudate cells, and the premature death of five rats in the 1-year group suggest that polypropylene oxide degradation was accompanied by the release of toxic substances. Estane and copolymer degradation did not induce tissue responses reflecting implant toxicity, and tympanic membranes given these alloplasts showed a normal healing pattern. Inclusions in the cytoplasm of macrophages associated with degradation and phagocytosis of all of the polymers under study were found to contain iron, silicon, titanium, and aluminum. Growth of fibrous tissue and bone, the latter into Estane and HPOE/PBT copolymer implants, indicated appropriate implant fixation by tissue, although macrophages and foreign-body giant cells were present as well. Especially the fixation of copolymer by ingrowth of bone seems promising in terms of the amount of bone in the pores and the electron-dense bone/copolymer interface. The latter is indicative for bonding osteogenesis. The HPOE/PBT copolymer is a better candidate for alloplastic tympanic membrane than Estane, and the use of polypropylene oxide cannot be recommended.

Animals↗

External fixation of tibial shaft fractures with severe soft tissue injuries by Hoffmann-Vidal-Adrey osteotaxis.

The operative results in 65 patients with 66 tibial shaft fractures and severe soft tissue injuries, stabilized by an external fixation frame according to Hoffmann or Vidal-Adrey, are reviewed and the treatment principles are discussed. Four patients required secondary amputations. Fifty-three patients could be followed up for an average of 23.2 months. The infection rate was 9.2% and nonunion was found in 11.1% of cases. Two patients had a refracture after removal of the fixation device. Twenty-three patients (42.6%) required one or more secondary operations. Of the 65 patients, 70.4% had very good or good end results, 16.7% acceptable, and 12.9% poor. External fixation according to Hoffmann or Vidal-Adrey affords excellent definitive stabilization in simple fractures of the lower leg with soft tissue injuries. In comminuted fractures of the lower leg with loss of bone fragments and severe tissue damage, external fixation is better used as a means of temporary stabilization until soft tissues permit definitive rigid stabilization.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Measurement of brain pH using 11CO2 and positron emission tomography.

We have examined the feasibility of measuring local brain pH in vivo with 11CO2 and positron emission tomography. In particular, we have addressed two objections that have been raised against this method: the assumed need to estimate local tissue PCO2 and the rapid fixation of 11C in tissue. From a reexamination of the basic theory, we argue that after administration of 11CO2 the time-dependent distribution of 11C between tissue and blood is independent of the distribution of CO2 already in the body, making it unnecessary to estimate local tissue PCO2. Assuming that the blood--brain barrier is impermeable to bicarbonate ions, there will be equal partial pressures of 11CO2 in blood and tissue at equilibrium. To overcome the problem of fixation in the tissue we have developed a kinetic model of the time-dependent distribution of 11C that accounts for regional variations in blood flow, CO2 extraction, pH, and rate of fixation. The values of the model parameters can be estimated from sequential measurements of tissue activity concentration during administration of 11CO2. Tissue pH can then be calculated from one of the parameter values, a measurement of arterial pH, and known constants. Numerical calculations based on the kinetic model with assumed values of the parameters were used to optimize the experimental design. The calculations show that problems with fixation are much less severe with continuous infusion of activity than with bolus administration. During infusion the tissue curve depends strongly on tissue pH but only weakly on the rate of fixation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brain↗

A method for a quantitative determination of changes in tissue volume as a result of perfusion fixation.

A method for quantifying changes in volume of tissue as a result of perfusion fixation is described. This is achieved by setting standards into the tissue in vivo and in situ by applying dyes to the intact tissue at known distances. Immediately after perfusion the distances of the dyes are macroscopically measured and the comparison between the corresponding distances before and after perfusion enables a quantification of the alteration of the tissue. The total error of this method is approximately 0.5-0.8% (linear).

Animals↗

Spatial Total RNA Sequencing of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue by spRandom-seq.

The molecular pathogenesis of infectious diseases and cancer is orchestrated by nanoscale of host and microbial RNA transcripts within the tissue microenvironment. Nevertheless, spatially resolving the comprehensive transcriptional landscape within complex clinical tissues, like formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens, still poses a formidable challenge. Here, we present spRandom-seq, a random primer-based spatial total RNA sequencing technology designed to spatially resolve complete transcriptomes from host, bacteria, and even nanoscale viruses in FFPE tissues. Capitalizing on the random primer design, our technology not only facilitated the discovery of specific lncRNAs and alternative splicing events in mouse brain and olfactory bulb, but also delineated pronounced spatial heterogeneity in clinical FFPE sections-across distinct tumor regions in breast cancer and microbial infection sites in Klebsiella pneumoniae-infected tissues. Importantly, integrated analysis of host and viral RNAs in FFPE samples from hepatitis B virus (HBV)‑positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) demonstrated that complement and coagulation pathways were specifically activated across expansive HBV‑infected tumor areas, which also exhibited an increased burden of copy number variations (CNVs). Owing to its compatibility with existing spatial transcriptomics platforms and minimal operational complexity, spRandom-seq represents a practical and scalable approach for clinical pathology applications and infection diagnostics.

Paraffin Embedding↗

Potency of microwave irradiation during fixation for electron microscopy.

Liver, skeletal muscle, peripheral nerves, pancreas, thyroid and adrenal cortex were prepared for electron microscopy employing microwave energy either during prefixation with glutaraldehyde or instead of prefixation. Microwave irradiation in the presence of glutaraldehyde in Na/K-phosphate or Na-cacodylate containing CaCl2 and MgCl2 led to distinct appearance of membranes, mainly plasma membrane, and membranes of SER, Golgi complex and mitochondria in liver, pancreas and muscle. The area of high quality fixation, however, was limited to the periphery of samples. On the other hand, SER was dilated in cells of the adrenal cortex, and RER markedly vacuolated in thyroid follicular cells. Microwave irradiation in the presence of Na/K-phosphate and subsequent osmication resulted in preservation of the ultrastructure in similar quality as was obtained by osmication without previous immersion in glutaraldehyde. However, the preservation of SER and Golgi complex in liver and pancreas, and of mitochondria in muscle was greatly improved. Small myelin sheaths remained intact whereas large ones showed focal disintegration. We consider that enhancement of fixation by microwave energy may greatly improve preservation of membranes in some tissues. Successful fixation depends on the use of glutaraldehyde during microwave irradiation, the type of buffer, the addition of ions to increase stabilization, the exposure time to heat, and on postosmication.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Gastric morphology in ulcer patients receiving misoprostol.

The effects of misoprostol on human gastric antral mucosa were investigated in patients with established diagnoses of either gastric or duodenal ulcer. All patients had pretreatment biopsy. After starting treatment with misoprostol, antral biopsies were taken at four and eight weeks and were fixed in formaldehyde. Following fixation and routine tissue processing, the slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A pathologist from the laboratory preparing the slides reviewed the slides and prepared surgical pathology reports. An identical slide of each biopsy was sent to pathologists at G.D. Searle and Company who were unaware of the diagnoses and who issued an independent descriptive report. Representative cases are presented for discussion. Misoprostol was administered at doses of 100 or 200 micrograms for four or eight weeks. No cellular or mucosal changes were observed. Both groups of pathologists were unable to recognize any dose-related or structural alterations. No special studies were performed on these tissues due to their fixation and sample size. Infiltration of the mucosa by chronic inflammatory cells with a variable number of granulocytes was the most common finding. There were a few cases of goblet cell metaplasia and mild hyperplasia both before and after treatment. By the application of histochemical and immunohistochemical staining methods it is hoped that the constituents in mucus and specialized cells can be identified.

Alprostadil↗

Comparison of the ultrastructure of conventionally fixed and high pressure frozen/freeze substituted root tips of Nicotiana and Arabidopsis.

To circumvent the limitations of chemical fixation (CF) and to gain more reliable structural information about higher plant tissues, we have cryofixed root tips of Nicotiana and Arabidopsis by high pressure freezing (HPF). Whereas other freezing techniques preserve tissue to a relatively shallow depth, HPF in conjunction with freeze substitution (FS) resulted in excellent preservation of entire root tips. Compared to CF, in tissue prepared by HPF/FS: (1) the plasmalemma and all internal membranes were much smoother and often coated on the cytoplasmic side by a thin layer of stained material, (2) the plasmalemma was appressed to the cell wall, (3) organelle profiles were rounder, (4) the cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, and amyloplast matrices were denser, (5) vacuoles contained electron dense material, (6) microtubules appeared to be more numerous and straighter, with crossbridges observed between them, (7) cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were wider and filled with material, (8) Golgi intercisternal elements were more clearly resolved and were observed between both Golgi vesicles and cisternae, and (9) larger vesicles were associated with Golgi stacks. This study demonstrates that HPF/FS can be used to successfully preserve the ultrastructure of relatively large plant tissues without the use of intracellular cryoprotectants.

Arabidopsis↗

Immediate ultrastructural effects of endothelin-1 on rabbit basilar artery. A comparison between immersion and perfusion fixation techniques.

In this study intra-arterial Endothelin-1 was applied to rabbit basilar arteries and morphological findings were compared between two groups who were either perfusion fixed or immersion fixed. We planned to establish the quantitative dimension of the drug-induced morphological alterations, independent of the fixation technique's effect. There was an abundance of collagenous fibres deposited among the smooth muscle cells which was not observed in control arteries and after immersion fixation. These degenerative changes are similar to the finding following subarachnoid haemorrhage. The only fixation-related difference was the fact that lamina elastica interna was not corrugated in the perfusion fixation group. It is concluded that, the observed changes in the connective tissue of the arterial wall alter the passive elastic properties and so affect the degree of the response to the vasoactive messengers.

Animals↗

Improving structural integrity of cryosections for immunogold labeling.

Cryosections of aldehyde-fixed material prepared according to Tokuyasu are a good substrate for immunocytochemistry. However, structural defects occur that limit the resolution of this approach. We found that the step during which sections are thawed and transferred from the cryochamber to the supporting film on an EM grid is most critical for structural preservation. Surface tension of the transfer medium, on which sections are spread during thawing, can easily damage their structure by overstretching. By substituting a mixture of methylcellulose and sucrose for the conventional sucrose transfer medium, we were able to alleviate the problem of overstretching, thus improving greatly the structural integrity of thin cryosections. Also, material extraction from the sections after thawing causes structural damage, particularly when cross-linking is deficient. Incorporation of uranyl acetate in the transfer medium can then further help to maintain the structural integrity of the sections during the immunolabeling procedure. Excellent ultrastructure was featured in sections picked up and dried directly in methylcellulose/uranyl acetate mixtures. Such preparations can provide new insight into subcellular details and is an efficient back-up for immunolabeled sections in respect of their morphology. Cryosections from fresh frozen tissue can be preserved for immunolabeling by using transfer media that contain fixatives. This approach may have advantages if chemical fixation of tissue is thought to induce morphological artifacts or antigen redistribution.

Animals↗

Influence of initial fixation protocol on the appearance of primary cilia on the rabbit corneal endothelial cell apical surface as assessed by scanning electron microscopy.

The objective was to examine primary cilia at the apical surface of corneal endothelial cells after using different fixatives. Female albino rabbits (2 kg) were euthanised at 15:00 h and the corneas fixed immediately (usually with an isotonic 2% glutaraldehyde-cacodylate fixative) either after dissection, by application fixative at 4 degrees C, by immersion of the eyeball in fixative at room temperature (RT), or by application of an isotonic or a hypertonic (Karnovsky-type) fixative at RT. Images at 2000x were taken from the central corneal region, and number and length of primary cilia assessed. The length was the same regardless of method (overall average of 1.67+/-0.70 microm), but the incidence of primary cilia was hypertonic fixative (87% of cells) >cold drop fixation (71%), >whole globe immersion (68%) >dissect then fix methods (67%) >RT drop fixation (34%). The first four methods however yielded cells with unacceptable artefacts (especially distortion). More details should be provided of the primary fixation method used.

Animals↗

Posterolateral corner reconstruction.

One should suspect a compromise of the lateral structures when presented with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, especially if grade III laxity is present. In our experience, if a combined injury to the PCL and posterolateral corner is diagnosed, a combined PCL and posterolateral reconstruction is needed to restore stability. This article describes a posterolateral reconstruction procedure. This procedure, when used in combination with an intra-articular PCL reconstruction, restores rotary and posterior knee stability. This procedure uses allograft tissue and interference screw fixation, although autograft tissue may be used.

Bone Screws↗