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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses
Published on: July 13, 2016
Improved Swiss-rolling method for histological analyses of colon tissue
Julie Le Naour1,2,3, Léa Montégut1,2,3, Adrien Joseph1,2,3
1Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Inserm U1138, Team "Metabolism, Cancer & Immunity" Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris 75006, France.
This study presents an improved method for processing fresh murine colons for histology. The technique ensures tissue integrity and shortens preparation time for better analysis of intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Histology
- Pathology
Background:
- The Swiss-rolling technique, introduced in 1965, is a method for histological analysis of intestinal tissues.
- Various methodological approaches have been developed since then.
- Processing fresh intestinal tissues is crucial for preserving epitope integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an improved protocol for processing freshly harvested murine colons.
- To provide a reproducible workflow for capturing the entire colon length in a unique histological section.
- To enable assessment of intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- A novel technique for tightly wrapping freshly harvested murine colons using simple tools.
- Fixation of the wrapped tissue to maintain its shape and prevent stiffness.
- Processing of biological samples immediately after resection.
Main Results:
- The improved protocol allows for tight wrapping of the entire colon length.
- The technique prevents unrolling and preserves tissue integrity.
- Epitope integrity is maintained for subsequent immunohistochemical analyses.
Conclusions:
- This method offers a reproducible workflow for histological analysis of intestinal tissues.
- It shortens preparation time and uses affordable tools.
- The technique is suitable for assessing features like intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis.
