I did muscle bx`s for a long time I used a dewar filled with liquid nitrogen
and I used another container filled with the isopentane.... suspended inside
until frozen. You thaw  just enough to freeze your tissue for 20 seconds. I
was taught that the isopentane insulates the tissue causing lee artifact
.Email me if I can help.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vinnie Della Speranza [mailto:dellav@musc.edu]
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2000 9:51 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Freezing tissue


I would welcome your opinions and feedback.

What is the optimal method of freezing tissues with liquid nitrogen? with or
without isopentane and why?

thanks,
Vinnie



Vinnie Della Speranza
Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services
Medical University of South Carolina
165 Ashley Avenue
Suite 309
Charleston, SC  29425
ph:  (843) 792-6353
fax: (843) 792-8974
email: Dellav@musc.edu