My group will be fixing small arteries at phyiological pressure
then staining with nuclear dyes for confocal studies. After confocal
microscopy some of the arteries will be processed for routine histology and
ICC (endothelium, smooth muscle, elastin and collagen) while others will
remain in a suitable fluid, just in case we need to repeat the confocal
microscopy. In the past, the arteries were left in formalin as ICC was not
required, but now it might be. Any suggestions as to a long term storage
solution , bearing in mind that it might be at least 6 months or more
before any decisions are made regarding further use.
	I'm dealing with a bunch of Physiologists and Pharmacologists who
will decide after 3-4 months that a particular specimen demonstrated a
result which merits further study. I'll be led in, then asked to perform
the necessary miracle be it histology, ICC or E.M. "Ah but, it was sitting
in formalin for 6 months, it's nae use". "Why not, and why didn't you tell
us earlier".
Ian.


Dr. Ian Montgomery,
West Medical Building,
University of Glasgow,
Glasgow,
G12 8QQ,
Scotland.
Tel: 0141 339 8855 Extn. 6602.
Fax: 0141 330 4100.
e-mail: ian.montgomery@bio.gla.ac.uk