Use of a Silicone Rubber (Clear Seal) as a Section Adhesive Resistant to Acid, Alkali and Heat

An optically clear silicone rubber adhesive is recommended for use in histochemical procedures in which detachment of tissue sections is likely. Procedure: Cut paraffin sections and float on a 45-50 C water bath; leave frozen sections on the microtome knife in the cryostat; spread the silicone rubber thinly and evenly over 2/3 of the slide (Clear Seal—General Electric, was used); pick up paraffin sections directly from the floatation water and frozen sections from the microtome knife with a warm slide; dry for 1.5 hr at 25 C; place paraffin sections in a 60 C oven for 0.5 hr, deparaffinize through xylene and hydrate through alcohols to water. Stain sections as desired, but avoid clearing agents before mounting after strong acid or alkaline treatment, and mount rapidly if a synthetic resin is used because of the solvent effect on the silicone rubber. Of the adhesives tried, silicone rubber is the only one capable of withstanding boiling 10% HCl for any period of time without detachment of sections.     

Enzyme histochemical reactions in unfixed and undecalcified cryostat sections of mouse knee joints with special reference to arthritic lesions

The use of unfixed and undecalcified cryostat sections of mouse knee joints is described for the study of enzyme histochemical reactions. Non-inflamed knee joints and knee joints of mice with antigen induced arthritis have been used. Joints were embedded in gelatin and subsequently cut at low speed with a motor-driven cryostat fitted with a tungsten carbide knife at an obtuse angle (10 degrees). The sections were attached to transparent tape to keep the integrity of the tissue intact. The following histochemical reactions were carried out successfully: the tetrazolium salt reaction for dehydrogenase and reductase activity, the post-azo-coupling method for acid phosphatase and cathepsin B activity and the simultaneous azo-coupling method for esterase activity. In all cases the morphology and integrity of the sections were well kept and serial sections were obtained without any difficulty. Nonspecific staining of the tape did not occur. The localization of the final reaction product was meeting criteria for specific and precise histochemical methods with the exception of the metal salt method because of nonspecific staining of undecalcified bone. Cytophotometry of the final reaction product appeared to be reproducible and valid as demonstrated by reaction for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in synoviocytes from knee joints with induced arthritis. End point measurements as well as kinetic measurements of the formazan production were performed and linear relationships were found between the specific formazan formation and section thickness or incubation time, respectively. It is concluded that cryostat sections attached to transparent tape are an excellent tool for the study of the metabolism in tissues adjacent to bone matrix.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Enzyme histochemical reactions in unfixed and undecalcified cryostat sections of mouse knee joints with special reference to arthritic lesions

Summary The use of unfixed and undecalcified cryostat sections of mouse knee joints is described for the study of enzyme histochemical reactions. Non-inflamed knee joints and knee joints of mice with antigen induced arthritis have been used. Joints were embedded in gelatin and subsequently cut at low speed with a motor-driven cryostat fitted with a tungsten carbide knife at an obtuse angle (10°). The sections were attached to transparent tape to keep the integrity of the tissue intact. The following histochemical reactions were carried out succesfully: the tetrazolium salt reaction for dehydrogenase and reductase activity, the post-azocoupling method for acid phosphatase and cathepsin B activity and the simultaneous azo-coupling method for esterase activity. In all cases the morphology and integrity of the sections were well kept and serial sections were obtained without any difficulty. Nonspecific staining of the tape did not occur. The localization of the final reaction product was meeting criteria for specific and precise histochemical methods with the exception of the metal salt method because of nonspecific staining of undecalcified bone. Cytophotometry of the final reaction product appeared to be reproducible and valid as demonstrated by reaction for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in synoviocytes from knee joints with induced arthritis. End point measurements as well as kinetic measurements of the formazan production were performed and linear relationships were found between the specific formazan formation and section thickness or incubation time, respectively. It is concluded that cryostat sections attached to transparent tape are an excellent tool for the study of the metabolism in tissues adjacent to bone matrix. Changes of enzyme activities in synoviocytes, chondrocytes and osteoclasts during induced arthritis are discussed.     

Autoradiography of Water-Diffusible Substances in Sections of Whole Baby Rats

Rats, 7 days postnatal which had been injected with a radioactive nuclide, were quick frozen and sectioned in the frozen state. An adhesive cellulose tape (Sellotape) was used to support the section during cutting, through freeze-drying, and attaching to slides. Dehydration of the frozen sections consisted of 1 hr in a chilled desiccator containing silica gel, then at reduced pressure of 2-3 mm Hg until quite dry. The exposed side of the section was sprayed with celloidin dissolved in amyl acetate and allowed to dry. This side of the section was attached to a slide, previously coated with 1% gelatin containing 0.1% chrome alum, by means of an adhesive consisting of 4% gelatin and 5% formalin in 60% glycerol. In applying this adhesive it is mandatory that a border of about 3 mm of bare glass be left outside the adhesive, to allow intimate contact between the sticky side of the tape and the glass. The adhesive was allowed to set for 20 min, the slide immersed in water lor 50 sec, and the cellulose layer of the tape peeled off. The rubber base from the tape was removed with chloroform, the slide dried, and the exposed surface of the section coated with celloidin in amyl acetate, by dipping. After this treatment, the slides could be coated by dipping in autoradiographic emulsion without affecting water-soluble radioactive substances in the tissue.     

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Pine Seedling Wood Tissue Sections Inoculated with the Pinewood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Previously Prepared for Light Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to paraffin-embedded wood sections to study the histopathology of pine seedlings inoculated with the pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The sections, which had been previously prepared and observed by light microscopy (LM) on glass slides, were originally obtained from experiments in which pine seedlings had been inoculated with PWN. The cover glass was removed by soaking the glass slide in xylene for 3 to 5 days. The glass slides were cut into small pieces so that each piece contained one wood section. Each piece of the glass slide was attached with double adhesive tape to an aluminum stub. The specimens were sputter-coated with gold and examined with a scanning electron microscope (JEOL-JSM 5200). Compared to LM (as documented in previous reports) SEM provided greater depth of focus and resolution of the damaged wood tissues, nematodes and associated bacteria. SEM made it possible to observe the relationship between bacterial distribution and nematode distribution in wood tissues. SEM observations also suggested the possibility of documenting the death of ray cells and other parenchyma cells in relation to disease development. Finally, the current study of PWN in pine seedlings demonstrated that glass slides prepared for LM observations more than 25 years earlier could be successfully processed for examination by SEM.     

A simple method for studying whole sections of rice grain

We developed a new and simple method to collect sections of a whole brown rice kernel for investigation of histological properties. A single kernel of rice was dehydrated through a graded ethanol series, transferred to xylene, and embedded in paraffin. During sectioning of the blocks using a rotary microtome, we used a special adhesive tape to collect and place the sections on slides so they remained flat. The use of the adhesive tape technique combined with autofluorescence characteristics allowed us to visualize cell walls throughout an entire longitudinal or transverse section of a whole rice kernel. We obtained scanning electron microscopy images of the sections to determine section quality.     

A simple method for studying whole sections of rice grain

We developed a new and simple method to collect sections of a whole brown rice kernel for investigation of histological properties. A single kernel of rice was dehydrated through a graded ethanol series, transferred to xylene, and embedded in paraffin. During sectioning of the blocks using a rotary microtome, we used a special adhesive tape to collect and place the sections on slides so they remained flat. The use of the adhesive tape technique combined with autofluorescence characteristics allowed us to visualize cell walls throughout an entire longitudinal or transverse section of a whole rice kernel. We obtained scanning electron microscopy images of the sections to determine section quality.     

A Rapid Method for Resectioning 0.5-4 μ Epoxy Sections for Electron Microscopy

A simple and rapid method is described for resectioning semithin Epon sections which have been stained for light microscopy, mounted on slides, and examined under immersion oil. The immersion oil is removed with xylene and the section is air dried. A drop of distilled water is applied to the slide and a razor blade is slid under the section. Freed from the slide, the section floats on the surface of the water and is transferred to another drop of water on the surface of a smooth, newly prepared Epon block face. The water under the section is withdrawn with bibulous paper. The section is thoroughly dried and bonded to the block surface by briefly heating in a 60 C oven. The tissue may then be re-sectioned and stained for electron microscopy in the conventional manner. This method has been used by several different technicians to produce ultrathin sections equal in quality to those produced by conventional methods and it greatly facilitates the selection of critical areas for examination by electron microscopy.     

Techniques for Studying Adipocytes

Various fixatives as well as tissue and slide handling procedures have been evaluated in attempts to demonstrate adipocytes histochemically while maintaining cell and tissue integrity. The optimal procedure for analysis of immature adipose depots consists of the following steps: 1) fresh, unfixed tissues are frozen rapidly in isopentane quenched in a liquid nitrogen bath; 2) cryostat sections are cut, removed from the knife with a room temperature slide, and then air dried for 5-10 minutes; 3) slides can be stained directly with picro-Ponceau or toluidine blue procedures or with oil red O following fixation for 30 minutes in cold (4 C) 10% formalin-CaCl₂ (1.25%). For analysis of mature rat adipose depots steps 2 and 3 are modified as follows: 2) cryostat sections are removed from the knife with a cold slide (-20 C) and dried for 30 minutes at 4 C; 3) the mounted sections are stained with oil red O following fixation for 30 minutes in cold (4 C) 10% formalin-HgCl₂ (2.5%). When procedures described above for immature adipose depots are combined with esterase fining, adipocyte cytoplasm is clearly demonstrated. These procedures allow the routine use of fresh frozen, unfixed cryostat sections in studies of adipose cellularity.     

Techniques for studying adipocytes

Various fixatives as well as tissue and slide handling procedures have been evaluated in attempts to demonstrate adipocytes histochemically while maintaining cell and tissue integrity. The optimal procedure for analysis of immature adipose depots consists of the following steps: 1) fresh, unfixed tissues are rapidly in isopentane quenched in a liquid nitrogen bath; 2) cryostat sections are cut, removed from the knife with a room temperature slide, and then air dried for 5-10 minutes; 3) slides can be stained directly with picro-Ponceau or toluidine blue procedures or with oil red O following fixation for 30 minutes in cold (4 C) 10% formalin-CaCl2 (1.25%). For analysis of mature rat adipose depots steps 2 and 3 are modified as follows: 2) cryostat sections are removed from the knife with a cold slide (-20 C) and dried for 30 minutes at 4 C; 3) the mounted sections are stained with oil red O following fixation for 30 minutes in cold (4 C) 10% formalin-HgCl2 (2.5%). When procedures described above for immature adipose depots are combined with esterase staining, adipocyte cytoplasm is clearly demonstrated. These procedures allow the routine use of fresh frozen, unfixed cryostat sections in studies of adipose cellularity.     

Dichromatism of bromphenol blue, with an improvement in the mercuric bromphenol blue technic for protein.

Staining of protein in sections using the mercuric bromphenol blue technic is improved by staining with 1% HgCl2 and 0.05% bromphenol blue in 2% aqueous acetic acid for 15 min at room temperature. Rinse slides 20 min in 2 changes of 0.5% aqueous acetic acid. Blot and give 2 fast changes in absolute ethanol with agitation before transferring to xylene. Transfer slide to 0.5% n-butylamine in xylene for a few seconds until the section is blue, then, after 2 changes of xylene, mount in DPX. Spectrophotometric analysis of this blue dye at different concentrations and with or without heparin showed that the reddish hues are due to dichromatism and not metachromasia.     

A Method for Applying Different Stains to Alternate Serial Sections On a Single Microscope Slide

Every other section on the slide is coated with an inert grease (Dow Corning 7 Compound). The first staining technique is applied, thus staining the sections not covered with grease. The grease is dissolved in xylene, the slide rehydrated, and the sections already stained are coated with grease. The second staining technique is applied, and the grease is again dissolved in xylene, yielding finally a slide on which alternate sections have been stained by the two different staining techniques. Silicone greases, applied with a syringe and blunt hypodermic needle, are useful coating materials because of their insolubility in water and alcohol, chemical inertness, and heat stability. Silicone coatings are compatible with most staining techniques, including those which use strong oxidants, reductants, acids, bases, enzymes, and high temperatures. The method is particularly useful in examining serial sections of small blocks of tissue, or of tissues varying significantly in structure every few sections.     

Oriented Embedding of Biological Materials and Accurate Localization for Ultrathin Sectioning

Gelatin capsules with rounded ends clipped off and open ends moistened, affixed to a glass slide and sealed with a 15% gelatin solution are used to embed blocks of tissue in plastic. The surface of the slide serves as an orientation plane for structures of the tissue. The plane end of capsules of polymerized plastic containing no tissue is used in embedding frozen tissue sections. The plastic-infiltrated section is flattened against the capsule end under the weight of a 3/4 inch square of plate glass so that larger sections may be cut and surveyed. Embedding cultured cell monolayers grown on coverslips is accomplished in a comparable manner, but the square of plate glass is not needed as a weight. Block-face localization methods depend on the type of material embedded. With blocks of tissue it is achieved by moistening the face with xylene to develop relief. Thin tissue sections are examined by transmitted light, while cell monolayers are stained on the capsule end with methylene blue.     

Dichromatism of Bromphenol Blue, with an Improvement in the Mercuric Bromphenol Blue Technic for Protein

Staining of protein in sections using the mercuric bromphenol blue technic is improved by staining with 1% HgCl₂ and 0.05% bromphenol blue in 2% aqueoua acetic acid for 15 min at room temperature. Rinse slides 20 miu in 2 changes of 0.5% aqueous acetic acid. Blot and give 2 fast changes in absolute ethanol with agitation before transferring to xylene. Transfer slide to 0.5% n-butylamine in xylene for a few seconds until the section is blue, then, after 2 changes of xylene, mount in DPX. Spectrophotometric analysis of this blue dye at different concentrations and with or without heparin showed that the reddish hues are due to dichromatism and not metachromasia.     

A Comparative Survey of Section Adhesives and of Factors Affecting Adhesion

Equal-size pieces of spleen, liver, cerebrum, tonsil and myocardium were taken from human postmortem tissue and sections of the following kinds were made: cryostat, CO₂ freezing microtome, paraffin, and double-embedded celloidin-paraffin. Fixation was in 10% formol-saline with the exception of the cryostat material which was fresh-frozen. The sections thus prepared were attached to identical sets of slides with glycerol-albumen, soluble starch, amylopectin starch, human plasma, 0.2% gelatin, 0.2% gelatin-formol, by flattening with 50% alcohol, and including a control slide without adhesive. Identical batches of the mounted sections were then dried overnight at 18-20, 37 and 56 C followed by washing in running tap water, 10% NH₄OH at 18-20 C and 1% NaOH and 10% NaOH solution at 56 C over a period of 4 days. Sections separating from the slides during successive intervals of soaking showed that plasma was the overall best adhesive and 56 C the most effective drying temperature. Agar, in the limited tests applied, was found to be quite effective but had a tendency to take up nuclear dyes.     

Distortion-Free Mounting of Frozen Sections by Handling on Paper Supports

Frozen sections are cut from the specimen until the level of interest is reached. A strip of paper (bond or similar writing paper) 5 cm long and about 1 cm wider than the specimen is moistened with water, closely applied to the surface of the specimen and frozen onto it. As the section is cut, the end of the paper strip above the knife is grasped and turned backward toward the other end of the strip. The section is then applied to an albumenized glass slide, firmed and thawed by finger pressure, and the paper removed. After thorough drying, the preparation is ready for further processing. When properly performed, mounted sections whose details coincide to those of the uncut block can be obtained. If thawing on the knife is prevented by cooling the knife, the technic can be performed without a cryostat, but it is also feasible to use a cryostat if a favorable temperature is maintained. The authors obtained 30 μ serial sections, suitable for stereotaxic mapping, from rabbit brain by this method.     

Histochemical demonstration of creatine kinase activity using polyvinyl alcohol and auxiliary enzymes

Creatine kinase activity (EC 2.7.3.2.) has been demonstrated in myocardium and skeletal muscle from rats by a method based on the incubation of cryostat sections with a polyvinyl alcohol-containing medium and the use of auxiliary enzymes. Hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were spread on object glasses before mounting the sections to be incubated. In this way, the auxiliary enzymes were interposed between glass slide and section thus preventing loss of formazan generated within the sections. Creatine kinase activity was found to be localized in finely dispersed form along the myofibrils and as large granules in the sarcoplasm of myocardium and skeletal muscle. The formazan produced specifically by creatine kinase (test minus control), as measured cytophotometrically at 585 nm, was completely inhibited by 2 mM 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene, a specific inhibitor of creatine kinase activity. The control reaction was unaffected by the inhibitor. The results obtained with the present method are similar to results obtained with the far more complicated semipermeable membrane technique. The introduction of auxiliary enzymes in the polyvinyl alcohol method enables the development of histochemical methods for many enzymes by linking the reactions to a dehydrogenase reaction.     

Cryostat Sectioning; Modification of the Antiroll Plate

A replaceable antiroll plate and holder have been designed for use in the Ames Lab-Tek cryostat which replace the plastic plate supplied with the instrument and insure a flawless, properly aligned plate for maximum efficiency in thin section cutting. A metal plate holder is attached to the existing screw-driven bracket provided with the instrument by the manufacturer. Glass plates made from one half of a 1.5 × 3 inch microscope slide are coated on the leading edge with spray-on Teflon and provided with tape spacers. These plates slip into the holder and can be adjusted for angular inclination and alignment with the cutting edge by movement within the holder or manipulation of the adjustment screw.     

An Abrasive Paper Technique for Preparing Sections of Wood for Microscopic Study

Dry wood specimens are sawed to 2mm thickness and impregnated with resin such as Lewisol 28 (Hercules Powder Co.). One side of the specimen is ground by hand on abrasive papers of grades #100, #180, #240, and #320. This side is then cemented to a petrographic glass slide with stick shellac and the other side similarly ground. Scratches can be eliminated by scraping the ground surface with the sharp edge of an ordinary glass microscopic slide. The section is removed by heating the slide, dissolving the shellac with alcohol and the resin of the embedding matrix with xylene. The sections can be stained in a hot saturated alcoholic solution of safranin O, counterstained with 0.01% fast green in an equal parts mixture of clove oil, methyl cellosolve, and absolute alcohol, and mounted in balsam.     

A simple method for coupling in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry: application to the study of peptidergic neurons

We have devised a simple procedure for immunostaining of sections that have previously undergone autoradiographic visualization of mRNAs by in situ hybridization. Classical hybridocytochemistry techniques were performed first on cryostat sections of formaldehyde-fixed tissue. Standard methods were used for slide coating by emulsion dipping and for revelation, fixation, and coverslipping steps. The key to this method is the emulsion removal, or permeabilization, by a short trypsin incubation (0.2% for 20-30 sec) which facilitates the good access of antibodies used in a subsequent immunocytochemical technique to section epitopes. Usual immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase procedures were successfully performed after this treatment. The immunoreactivity of several neuropeptides was well preserved after this procedure. In addition to its usefulness in our studies, this general method should be applicable to many other situations in which autoradiographic and immunocytochemical detections must be coupled.