This would be a possiblity with PMMA. However, small undecalcified bone and
hydroxyapatite implant materials can be sectioned directly after embedding
in PMMA, a good strong microtome and a d profile tungsten carbide blade.
How big a sample are you talking about in EPON and do you use glass or
diamond knives? Most EM size samples are really tiny.  Enlighten us on
size, please!  

If you need to see calcification of hydroxyapatite and the interface of
cells with this calcified material, surface decalcification may defeat the
purpose as would any other decalcifying method. 

 

At 09:03 AM 9/6/02 -0700, you wrote:
>You might be able to compromise on decalcification. Embed in Epon or one of
>the substitutes. Trim and thick section your block to the ROI and then place
>the cut face of the block in EDTA for a few hours. Rinse in water and
>section immediately. This leaves the area where the hydroxapatite was
>undistorted, while still allowing good sections. Hope this helps.
>
>Lesley Weston.
>
>
>
>on 05/09/2002 8:43 AM, Patsy Ruegg at pruegg@colobio.com wrote:
>
>> no way in my experience.  you might need to embedd in GMA or MMA if you
don't
>> want to demineralize.
>> patsy
>> 
>> Kathleen Cormier wrote:
>> 
>>> Hello all,
>>> 
>>> I have a researcher who is submitting hydroxyapatite and cells as FFPE. Is
>>> it possible to get acceptable sections from hydroxyapatite that are FFPE
>>> and not decalcified? All I get is shredding. The researcher is afraid that
>>> decalcification would compromise the integrity of the construct. Any
>>> suggestions or references would be greatly appreciated!
>>> 
>>> Thanks!
>>> 
>>> Kathy Cormier
>>> Histology Supervisor
>>> Division of Comparative Medicine
>>> MIT
>> 
>> 
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