Wendy,

We've processed many of these in the past.  Basically, process and cut them
as routine tissue samples.  We embed the sponges in agar prior to processing
and sectioning.  This keeps the implanted cells from sloughing off during
processing.  Also, depending on the seeding density, multiple levels might
have to be cut and stained before you see a cell or two.  They're usually
seen at the periphery.  Good luck.

Jim

____________________________
James E. Staruk, HT(ASCP)
Mass Histology Service, Inc.
www.masshistology.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Wendy England [mailto:weneng@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2002 6:16 PM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: sponges processing


Hi histonetters,
I am going to receive a few samples that I never done before. I hope you can
help me. They are fibroblast cells cultured in recombinant collagen sponges.
They are now fixed in 4% formalin (sponges and cells that hold in). I need
to process these sponges and read cells after H&E staining. Any body could
tell me how should I process these samples so that cells will not get lost
afterwards and good morphology is kept?
Thanks for any suggestion.
Wendy

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