Brett-

We have done this in the past for some of our projects, but it has been
several years.  We normally take a pre-decaling x-ray and then a post x-ray
to compare starting at week 3.  Have also used a needle to check.  Depending
on the EDTA recipe used and the age of the animals, it will take from 4-6
weeks for complete decalcification.  

Patsy Dunn-Jena
Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory
Indiana University School of Dentistry
padunnje@iupui.edu

> ----------
> From: 	Connolly, Brett M
> Sent: 	Tuesday, November 6, 2001 11:13 AM
> To: 	'HISTONET' (E-mail)
> Subject: 	cutting teeth
> 
> Histonetters,
> I will likely have to paraffin embed, section and stain rat teeth and
> mandible for a project. There will be some subsequent IHC involved also.
> We
> plan to decal with EDTA. Any ideas/ caveats for making sure the teeth are
> adequately decalcified. I suspect they will take longer than the cortical
> bone, but they have to remain attached to the mandible. This is a new area
> for me so please help with some guidance.
> Thanks,
> Brett   
> 
> Brett M. Connolly, Ph.D.
> Merck Research Laboratories
> Dept. of Pharmacology
> WP26A-3000
> PO Box 4
> West Point, PA 19486
> PH 215-652-2501
> fax. 215-652-2075
> e-mail. brett_connolly@merck.com
> 
> 
> 
>