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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
08:12
Thin Sectioning of Slice Preparations for Immunohistochemistry
Published on: April 28, 2007
A method for making histological preparations equivalent to semithin sections with large examination areas for
Yu P Kostilenko1, I V Boiko, I I Starchenko
1Department of Human Anatomy, Ukraine Medical Stomatological Academy, Poltava, Ukraine. melkor2002@ukr.net
Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology
|November 1, 2008
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for preparing large biological samples for microscopy without sectioning. The technique allows examination of diverse soft and hard tissues, including bone, without decalcination.
Area of Science:
- Histology
- Microscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Current histological sectioning methods are ineffective for large surface area biological samples.
- There is a need for alternative preparation techniques that preserve tissue integrity and allow examination of complex structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an alternative method for preparing large surface area biological samples for microscopic examination.
- To enable investigation of both soft and hard tissues without decalcination.
Main Methods:
- A modified combination of tissue fixation and epoxide resin embedding techniques was employed.
- The method avoids traditional histological section preparation.
Main Results:
- The proposed method provides an effective alternative for preparing large surface area biological samples.
- This technique facilitates the microscopic examination of diverse soft and hard tissue complexes.
- Decalcination is not required prior to investigation.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers a valuable approach for microscopic analysis of large biological specimens.
- This technique expands the possibilities for studying complex biological tissues, including those with mineralized components.
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Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
01:20Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy
To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...