Mary Ann,

I got this tip from the HistoList serve.  Following fixation, I use 
5% trichloroacetic acid in my fixative to soften fish skin/scales.  I 
simply incubate my specimen in this overnight and then wash 
thoroughly in 70% ethanol before loading it into the processor.  It 
works great.  I have since learned that dermatologists commonly use 
trichloroacetic acid to lift off weathered skin.  I think the 
trichloroacetic acid breaks down keratins.

Good luck.

Karen in Oregon






>Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 15:14:23 -0500
>From: Mary.Ann.Deathridge@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
>Subject: sxn nails,scalp etc..
>To: Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
>
>Hi Histos, I'm looking for a method to soften nails and scalp.  We have
>used a mild sodium hydroxide, nair, decal stat,
>formic acid.  If anyone has any tidbits of info, please help.  I'm tired of
>having repeats. Thanks in advance.
>Oh yeah !    GO TITANS