Dear Histonetters:

May I ask a question about methyl benzoate, please.

I have received a protocol to fix tissues in acetone, at -80 degree C with
few changes, then bring the tissues up to RT in a fresh one, then going into
methyl benzoate before going into xylene, then paraffin.  I understand that
methyl benzoate is a clearing agent, as xylene, but is it really necessary?
Does it act as another clearing agent here or does it have any other
affects?  Can I just go directly to Xylene as routine processing?  How about
putting the tissues into 50%, 70%, 100% alcohol?  Will this deterioate the
tissues?

Thank you.
Su