Agustin, many moons ago (more than 30 years) I used chloroform for brains
and other assorted nervous system tissue. I don't recommend it. I remember them
coming out of the processor brittle and at the same time they would dissolve in
the water bath if it was too hot. The chloroform smell would not dissipate and I
could smell it even after infiltration with paraffin. I still think xylene is
best. It makes the brain a bit brittle, but you can at least get a decent
section with it.
I use Halt (Poly Scientific) in our water baths when needed, but plus
slides work equally well without anything in the baths. Just be sure your brain
slides are very dry before you start staining them.
Hope this helps
you.
>>> =?UNKNOWN?Q?Agust=EDn?= Venzano
<avenzano@cicv.inta.gov.ar> 07/08/02 03:20PM >>>
Dear Netters:
I'm needing two opinions from you:
1. What are your thoughts and
experience on the use of chloroform as a
clearing agent when processing
nervous tissues?
2. We are currently picking up brain sections on slides
that haven't been
previously coated with any adhesives. Some time ago we used
Mayer's albumin,
but we gave up this one due to its disgusting physical
characteristics. What
kind of adhesive substances are you presently using for
routine H&E
histopathology?
Thank you in advance
Agustin
Jose Venzano Halliburton
DVM- INTA Castelar,
Argentina