Bone embedding in pure methyl methacrylate at low temperature preserves enzyme activities

Pure Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), a widely used embedding medium for undecalcified bone studies, was polymerized at low temperature (4 degrees C). MMA was prepared by a new purification procedure yielding a absolutely anhydrous and catalysed resin. The redox system benzoyle peroxide/NN-Dimethylanilin was used as the catalyzer-initiator system providing free radicals for the MMA chemical polymerization. Since the reaction is inhibited at -20 degrees C, complete infiltration of blocks is achieved within 3 d. Polymerization took place at +4 degrees C. The method provides undecalcified bone sections suitable for histomorphometric analysis of osteoid tissue, tetracycline bone labeling and Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase. Enzyme histochemistry was shown to be possible in pure MMA embedded bones, when this low temperature embedding was used.