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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Rigid Embedding of Fixed and Stained, Whole, Millimeter-Scale Specimens for Section-free 3D Histology by Micro-Computed Tomography
Published on: October 17, 2018
Fixation, embedding, and sectioning of tissues, embryos, and single cells
1European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology
|February 12, 2008
Summary
This guide details methods for fixing and sectioning biological samples, including tissues and cells. These techniques prepare specimens for examining morphology and for specialized analyses like immunohistochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Biological Sciences
- Histology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Accurate preparation of biological samples is crucial for downstream analyses.
- Standardized protocols ensure reproducibility in tissue and cell examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe reliable methods for fixing and sectioning diverse biological materials.
- To enable detailed examination of cell and tissue morphology.
- To support applications such as in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.
Main Methods:
- Fixation of tissues and embryos using paraformaldehyde followed by wax embedding.
- Fixation of suspended or cultured cells.
- Perfusion of whole animals with paraformaldehyde for organ preservation.
- Sectioning of fixed tissues and mounting onto glass slides.
Main Results:
- Prepared sections allow for detailed analysis of cellular and tissue structures.
- Protocols are applicable to a wide range of biological specimens, from whole organs to single cells.
- Successful application in subsequent histological and molecular analyses.
Conclusions:
- The described methods provide a robust framework for biological sample preparation.
- These techniques are essential for morphological studies and advanced molecular investigations.
- Standardized fixation and sectioning enhance the reliability of histological data.
