Have  you tried 15% ammonia water.  We have had success at softing the
   nail  before  processing  and  after if needed for sectioning.  I have
   used this technique for horse hoff as well.

   Thom
   >From: "Bliss, Mary E." 
   >To: 
   >Subject: [Histonet] nail sectioning
   >Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 15:07:08 -0700
   >
   >Hi to All,
   >
   >
   >
   >Does anyone have a good procedure for fixing and cutting in good
   >fingernail and toenail sections?  We are trying to come up with
   >something  which will allow us to produce a good stainable slide with
   ALL
   >of the tissue still intact on it!  I have heard about using
   >trichloroacetic   acid   but   can't   seem   to   find  a  procedure
   anywhere.  Have
   >also heard about /tried Nair and soapy water.  Does anyone have any
   >information to share?
   >
   >
   >
   >Humbly yours,
   >
   >
   >
   >Mary E. Bliss
   >
   >Lead Histologist
   >
   >Northwest Pathology, P.S.
   >
   >3614 Meridian St. Suite 100
   >
   >Bellingham, WA 98225
   >
   >(360)734-2800 x601
   >
   >(360)734-3818 FAX
   >
   >
   >
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   >Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
   >http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
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References

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