Have you tried changing the speed or the frequency of the knife?  A good
consistency for tissue is similar to the white in a hard boiled egg!  What
is the consistency of the lung, harder or softer than the egg white?  Is the
inside a different consistency than the outside?
Evanne Maher
Leica Specimen Preparation
----- Original Message -----
From: "Judy Trogadis" 
To: 
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 6:30 AM
Subject: vibratome sections


Dear Histonettors:

I am trying to cut sections of rat lung tissue, about 200 microns thick,
with a vibratome. It is difficult, to say the least, because the lung was
inflated just prior to fixation and, although well fixed, retained a spongy
consistency and therefore not firm enough to section. I have embedded it in
agar without any improvement.

Does anyone have any suggestions.
Thank you

Judy

Judy Trogadis
Bio-Imaging Coordinator
St. Michael's Hospital, 8Q
30 Bond St.
Toronto, ON M5B 1W8

ph:  416-864-6060  x6337
fax: 416-864-6043
trogadisj@smh.toronto.on.ca