Re: tissue embedding for microtomy


Well,

I'm currently writing a series on slide prep and microtomy in Micscape
(http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html).
Part one of the series was about embedding samples in paraffin using
techniques, materials and chemicals to availlable (I suppose) to about
everyone in the entire world. Last month's part was on using a rotary
microtome, this month using a sliding microtome (A Reichert-Jung HN-40) will
be discussed. The last part will involve staining and finishing the slides.
I'm thinking on adding a fifth part devoted to microtomy of very large
samples (let's say about 10 by 15 cm).

Al these are pretty basic and -I suppose- "...information suitable for a
beginner...". Alltough the series discusses botanical microtechnique,
zoological slide prep is not that different regarding the protocols and
techniques to be used.

I can send you some notes on neurological techniques, but for that I need
to know what exactly it is, you want to achieve with the slides, in other
words: what structures do you want to demonstrate?

Have a nice day!

Yvan.


Hello, Yvan. Your article is exactly what I'm looking for! The Micscape site is a wonderful resource.
You've put my mind at ease concerning how to proceed. I wonder, though, how you go about removing the paraffin after mounting? As to what structures I would like to demonstrate, at this point I'd like to be able to differentiate various types of cells and their processes, differences between the various structures of the brain and their particular cell types. I just want to get the lay of the land, so to speak. Perhaps it would help if you understood how I came to pass this way. I've taken some Psychology classes at school and we've discussed the neuro-biological aspects of behavior, normal and otherwise, and the functional circuits that exist in the brain that are involved in behavior. I find myself fascinated and want to know more. Sheep brains are cheap enough, I've got an excellent guide to their dissection with an appendix on their microscopic structure and about 14 free seconds a day. The dissection part is straightforward enough, but I dont know how to proceed microscopically. You, however, have been a big help in that regard. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Harry


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