How about trying a vibrating microtome?  I don't know if the fat is solid
enough to try this, but thick sections of brain are cut  this way.
Evanne Maher
 Leica Specimen Preparation

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Geske" <RGeske@lexgen.com>
To: <histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2001 5:47 AM
Subject: fat analysis


> we are currently engaged in quantitation of different types and anatomic
> locations of fat. we want to analyze the adipocytes in terms of their
number
> per unit volume and the individual cells maximum diameter and from that
> infer cell volume.  given that the cells maximum diameter can be up to 200
> microns, we want to sample slices of fat in excess of that number.
> we initially looked at 200 micron sections of fat frozen in OCT and
> sectioned in a cryostat.  this was not adequate.  our cryostat will
section
> up to 300 microns in thickness and this is the next step.  the sections
are
> floated on a buffer and viewed at 4X with images being  captured with a
> digital camera before analysis. we do not want to mount the sections on
> slides as this causes shape distortion (this was our first thought
also ---
> section, mount, and ORO).  are there any suggestions on equipment and/or
> techniques for cutting up to 500 micron sections of fixed or fresh fat.
> another possiblity i am looking into this weekend is sterological methods
to
> determine the information we are after.  we this, i believe, we will not
> have to take such thick sections.  with the knowledge of the measurment of
> section thickness and area we should be able to analyze multiple planes
> through the section and make reasonable estimates about the population of
> adipocytes.  does anyone have experience using this method for fat
analysis?
>
> regards to all,
>
> rob
>
>
***************************************************************************
>  The contents of this communication are intended only for the addressee
and
> may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If you are not the
> intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this
> communication and notify the sender.  Opinions, conclusions and other
> information in this communication that do not relate to the official
> business of my company shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed
by
> it.
>
************