H&E for plastic
Good Morning, Rachel!
You are quite observant on the comment concerning the hematoxylin
precipitate you observed on the surface of the plastic embedded slide --
this is precisely what happens with the routine paraffin "H&E" when applied
to plastic sections. Gayle and Evan are both correct when mentioning the
methylene blue/basic fuchsin stain as an excellent substitute. This stain
requires etching. However, not all plastics etch the same. Methyl
methacrylate sections can be etched with a weak hydrochloric acid solution
whereas a Technovit 7200 embedded slide will crack profusely. These slides
have to be etched with a weak formic acid solution. So...several factors
to consider; use the methylene blue/basic fuchsin instead of H&E (I will be
glad to send you my version as well), which plastic used will influence the
etching solution, and, as Gayle said, do not coverslip with mounting
media. I actually have found that adding a drop of immersion oil and then
coverslippping before photography enhances the picture. Remove coverslip
afterwards and remove oil with a Kimwipe.
Best wishes,
Linda
P.S. For Evan , et al.: Cracking of certain plastic embedded sections is
also a problem with light curing monomers such as Technovit 7200. These
must be stored in the dark as room light will continue to slowly polymerize
the section causing cracking and bowing of the plastic section.
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