Gayle,

i have read this numerous times in texts.  if i recall correctly,
formaldehyde fixation is reversible within the first 24 hours by an excess
of water.

rob

-----Original Message-----
From: Gayle Callis [mailto:uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu]
Sent: April 18, 2000 1:06 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: an interesting question has come up


Have been a private discussion with someone, who brought up the point that
fixation can reverse itself, and in the context of formalin?  but that the
fixation process is eventually irreversible.

Any comments on this, I found it interesting, and know the other party is
looking in.

I have never experienced this, or even heard of it happening, but am always
ready for enlightenment, could be something I have missed in reading,
listening or discussion.




Gayle Callis
Veterinary Molecular Biology
Montana State University
Bozeman MT 59717-3610
406 994-4705
406 994-4303