A method for collecting semithin epoxy serial sections for light microscopy and 3-D reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microscopy
• Histology

Background:

• Three-dimensional reconstruction of neuronal structure requires serial sectioning.
• Resin-embedded sections offer superior structural detail compared to paraffin.
• Collecting long ribbons of resin-embedded sections is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a simple plastic trough for collecting resin-embedded semithin sections.
• To facilitate the direct collection of section ribbons onto a coverslip.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a microtome to cut resin-embedded semithin sections.
• Employing a novel plastic trough attached to glass knives.
• Floating section ribbons on a coverslip within the trough.
• Slowly draining water from the trough via attached tubing and syringe.
• Drying collected sections on a hotplate.

Main Results:

• The plastic trough enables direct collection of section ribbons onto a coverslip.
• This method simplifies the process of obtaining serial sections for microscopy.
• Improved handling and drying of delicate resin-embedded sections.

Conclusions:

• The described plastic trough is an effective and simple tool for collecting semithin sections.
• This technique aids in the preparation of samples for detailed 3D neuronal reconstruction.
• Enhances the visualization of neuronal structures through improved sectioning methods.