Hi Tracey,

You may want to try using 'Mollifex' from BDH, this is a detergent/phenol
mix which very effectively softens the tissue, just place the block on it
for a few minutes (don't leave it on too long as it will ruin the block!).

I have occasionaly used this for tricky blocks and it does work a treat, if
you can't get hold of Mollifex, fabric softner is reported to work almost as
well!

Good Luck!

Nick

Nick Bullough BSc(Hons) AIBMS
Scientist
Bioresources
Pharmagene Laboratories Ltd
2 Orchard Road
Royston
Herts SG8 5HD
UK


-----Original Message-----
From: Tracey Gunn [mailto:tracey.gunn@stonebow.otago.ac.nz]
Sent: 07 June 2002 00:43
To: Histonet
Subject: Cracked Liver Sections


Hi All,

We are currently sectioning and H&E staining 600 paraffin embedded sheep
liver blocks for a client.  They have been fixed in 10% NBF.  We are having
terrible trouble with the tissue sections cracking after being mounted on
the slides.  We have tried floating out on tepid waterbaths, soaking in
iced water, cutting the blocks at room temperature and to no avail.  Any
ideas before I become bald from pulling my hair out?

Thanks,
Tracey Gunn.

Tracey Gunn
Histology Service Unit
University of Otago
Dunedin
New Zealand

Phone: (03) 479 7152
Fax: (03) 479 7136




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