many years ago we spent a lot of time trying to do this without success.
someone has probably come up with methods for doing this by now.  we ended up
having to carefully dissect out the cord and process the vertebrae and cord
separately and then reconstruct the gross anatomy.  if i were doing this now,
i would try using a very fine saw (diamond wire or disc saw) to get a thin
piece of the the sample before processing.
patsy

"A. Erickson" wrote:

> Good morning,
> I have been asked to prepare sections of vertebrae with spinal cord still
> in position, ultimately for an atlas.  Major concerns are decalcification
> without destroying the cord, maintaining the proper relationship of cord
> elements and bone elements, and processing with minimal shrinkage.  Any
> information which might help with this project (ideas, suggestions,
> warnings, protocols...) is greatly appreciated.  Andra Erickson, Research
> Technologist, University of Washington RPRC, Neuro Division.