I would agree as it is very difficult to stabilize the specimen and get
consistent sections from a Vibratome.  They can be useful however, one
shouldn't expect the same type of sections as a cryostat or microtome.  The
instrument is not designed for routine use and does require practice to
achieve sections.  Pam Marcum

-----Original Message-----
From: Barry, Lilith [mailto:Lilith.Barry@nrc.ca]
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2000 10:51 AM
To: 'Joan Yonchek'; 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
Subject: RE: Vibratome


From my experience it would be next to impossible to cut so thin consistent
sections with vibrotome.
What I would recommend is to cryoprotect your tissue, embed it in O.C.T.
compound and cut it with cryostat.
I also think that 10-20 micron sections would be little too delicate for
free floating work.

Lilith
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lilith Ohannessian-Barry
National Research Council
Institute of Biological Sciences
CANADA
Tel;613-993-6460
Fax;613-941-4475
e-mail; lilith.barry@nrc.ca









-----Original Message-----
From: Joan Yonchek [mailto:Jyonchek@rtitechnology.com]
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2000 5:17 PM
To: 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
Subject: Vibratome



I am interested in hearing from anyone versed in the use of a Vibratome.
I have been asked to obtain 10-20 micron thick sections of small pieces (1mm
cubes) of formalin fixed skin. Specifically I would like to know the speed,
amplitude and blade angle you would recommend as well as the method for
embedding the tissue in agarose.  Also, do you use a sapphire knife, a
single edge injector type razor blade or a double edge type razor blade?  Is
it necessary to remove the agarose from the section before staining?  What
type of
slides are best?  Do you prefer staining the free-floating section and then
adhering it to the slide or dry the section on the slide before staining?

Other than that I got it covered!

Thanks
Joan
RTI