Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 10:15:06 -0600
From: "LaCinda Burchell" 
Subject: Any tips for "no distortion" fixation and cutting of lung?
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Hello Histonet,
  Investigators here wish to obtain sections of rat lung tissues with
no (or very  minimal distortion) of rat lung representing it's original
living state.  IE. no shrinkage, compression, or fractures.  We've tried
several variations on cryoprotectants freezings and such, but have yet
to obtain "perfect" results.  Paraffin processing is out due to
shrinkage in processing and expansion on the waterbath.  They want to be
able to see small airways within the context of the whole rat lung so EM
seems to be out of the question.  I won't be asked to do IHC on these
tissues so overfixation isn't an issue.  Prefusion is out of the
question because it causes pressure changes and distortions of the
tissue.  I'm currently considering traditional fixation techniques
(formalin?) followed by cryosectioning.   Any suggestions or insights
would be very appreciated.  Bless you if you can offer any help!   Cindy
B   

LaCinda Burchell, BA, AS, HT(ASCP)
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Medical School
Asthma and Allergy Research IHC Lab
600 Highland Ave.  CSC  K4/913
Madison, Wisconsin  53792

Phone: 608-262-3518
FAX:     608-263-3746