"Pop-off" technic. The ultrastructure of paraffin-embedded sections

Area of Science:

• Electron Microscopy
• Histology
• Pathology

Background:

• Paraffin-embedded sections are crucial for histological analysis.
• Certain areas within these sections require higher resolution for detailed investigation.
• Conventional methods limit ultrastructural examination of paraffin sections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a technique for reembedding paraffin sections for electron microscopy.
• To enable ultrastructural investigation of specific areas identified in light microscopy.
• To facilitate the study of viral inclusions and heavy metal stains in reembedded sections.

Main Methods:

• Decoverslipped paraffin sections are reembedded into plastic using BEEM capsules.
• Sections are prepared for examination under the electron microscope.
• Special stains, including heavy metals, are utilized before reembedding.

Main Results:

• The technique allows for ultrastructural examination of previously embedded paraffin sections.
• Metallic granules from special stains are visualized without further grid staining.
• Viral inclusions can be identified or ruled out in reembedded sections.
• The identical section can be studied under both light and electron microscopes.

Conclusions:

• This reembedding technique provides a valuable method for ultrastructural analysis of paraffin sections.
• It is particularly useful for studying cell smears, monolayers, and areas with special stains.
• The method bridges light and electron microscopy for comprehensive analysis of biological samples.