Sandra-

I don't remember seeing any replies to your query, but then again it came
while I was on vacation (and forgot to log off HistoNet) so my delete key
was being overworked.

There are two fixatives that may work for you:

	Davidson's:  	30 ml 95% EtOH		* FAA:  	90 ml 80%
EtOH
			20 ml 10% NBF				10 ml 37-40%
formaldehyde
			10 ml Glacial Acetic Acid		5 ml Glacial
Acetic Acid

* Fomalin Acetic Acid.  If you really need the reference, I could try to
find it.

As I discovered when fixing canine eyes, prolonged exposure (>5 days) to
Davidson's will cause tissue swelling, and similar exposure to FAA will
cause tissue shrinkage.  I tried varying the percentages of ingredients to
correct this problem, but had to give it up due to lack of time.  Generally,
no one else would be fixing for that long anyway, as normal fixation times
should be in the neighborhood of ~6 hours.

As far as effecting Immuno staining, I would assume you would need to do
antigen retrieval as you would for formalin fixed tissue, but the times may
have to be adjusted.

Good luck on your endeavors!

Joe 

Joseph A. Saby, BA HT
Diagnostic Pathology, Pathology & Experimental Toxicology
Parke-Davis/Int. Pharm. Res. Div. Warner-Lambert
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 622-3631
Fax:     (734) 622-5718
e-mail:  Joseph.Saby@wl.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Terrett, Barb [mailto:Barb_Terrett@pmh.toronto.on.ca]
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 3:00 PM
To: 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
Subject: Fixation for breast tissue


I was wondering if there is anyone who uses a fixative for breast tissue
that is comprised of formalin, alcohol and/or acetic acid.  We are looking
for something that fixes fatty tissue better than buffered formalin.   If
you have such a fixative, could you share the recipe with us.   Also, does
this fixative have any negative effects on immuno staining, in particular
estrogen and progesterone receptors.

Thank you.   Sandra via Barb!