Glycerol is a trihydric alcohol (i.e., has three hydroxyl groups), and among
other things, is used as a humectant in the manufacture of chocolate candies
to keep their surface appearance looking yummy.  It has also been used in
cytology at a 50% concentration to rehydrate air-dried cells so they regain
their dye penetrability and appear normochratic in the Pap stain.  However,
it can not reverse the changes in cell size and chromatin appearance that
accompany air-drying.

Gary Gill

-----Original Message-----
From: rkline@emindustries.com [mailto:rkline@emindustries.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 1:51 PM
To: Darren Grima
Cc: HistoNet Server
Subject: Re: Glycerol


Darren,

I would have to agree with other reponses.  Glycerol would act as a
moisturized to keep the tissues from drying out.

Rande Kline HT (ASCP)
Technical Services
EM Science




Darren Grima <Darren_Grima@clubmac.org.au> on 08/27/56 07:31:36 AM

To:   HistoNet Server <HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu>
cc:
Subject:  Glycerol




I was speaking to a friend of mine, whom works at Liverpool Histo and he
told
me that apparently Glycerol is added to 100% ethanol station or stations in
the tissue processor. Would anyone know why. I've never heard of this. Cya

Darren

Electron Microscope Unit
St. George Hospital
Kogarah NSW Australia