A Comparison of Deformalizing Technics

Five methods of removing bound formalin from tissues were studied with the Cajal, Del Rio-Hortega, and Feulgen technics used as indicators of efficiency of removal. The tissues had been fixed in 10% formalin for varying periods from one week to several years. The most effective means of eliminating the effects of formalin on staining was two 24-hour changes of 20% aqueous chloral hydrate. Tissue so treated (in the block) gave good results with both the Feulgen and Cajal technics. The Del Rio-Hortega silver carbonate method did not differentiate microglia and oligodendroglia, although astrocytes, unstained in untreated material, stained well after deformalinizhig.