High-resolution light microscopy. Its use in the study of liver diseases

Tissue processing methods using methacrylate and epoxy resins, which were developed for transmission electron microscopy, allow histopathologic study of specimens by light microscopy with a degree of resolution unavailable with wax methods. We have routinely used epoxy resins in the study of specimens of diseased liver; this is, to our knowledge, the first reported study of such a procedure. Use of epoxy resins allows optimal tissue preservation and maximum use of the resolving power of the light microscope, and the use of polychromatic stains obviates the need for routine use of special stains. We believe that reexamination of specimens of diseased liver using high-resolution light microscopy will provide additional morphologic information for a better understanding of the pathology of liver and more accurate morphologic diagnosis.