A protocol for making and sectioning multiple embedded Swiss-rolls in a gelatin matrix.

Area of Science:

• Histology
• Immunohistology
• Gastrointestinal Research

Background:

• Intestinal preparation is crucial for validating biochemical data with histological and immunostaining images.
• The Swiss-roll technique, established in 1965 and detailed in 1981, facilitates longitudinal study of rodent intestines.
• Existing methods may not offer simultaneous examination of multiple samples or optimal spatial arrangement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a modified Swiss-roll technique for co-embedding multiple intestinal samples in a single gelatin block.
• To enable simultaneous longitudinal histologic examination of several tissue samples on one slide.
• To retain antigenicity for immunohistology and allow for precise tissue orientation.

Main Methods:

• Co-embedding at least four different intestinal Swiss-rolls within a single gelatin block.
• Adjusting tissue orientation within the gelatin matrix for desired spatial arrangement and cross-sections.
• Utilizing the room temperature stability of the gelatin matrix for sample accessibility and manipulation.

Main Results:

• Provides a full-length, cross-sectional overview of colons on a single slide.
• Allows for longitudinal histologic examination of multiple tissue samples simultaneously.
• Maintains antigenicity for immunohistological analysis and facilitates comparison of different colon samples.

Conclusions:

• This protocol offers a convenient and precise method for preparing multi-tissue blocks.
• Simultaneous sectioning, staining, and slide mounting of multiple tissues are streamlined.
• The technique enhances efficiency and comparability in gastrointestinal tissue analysis.