Decreased catecholamine content caused by slicing of frozen human post mortem brain with an electric blade

A deleterious effect on dopamine and norepinephrine levels was observed in cortical Brodmann area 25 tissue dissected from mechanically cut coronal slices of frozen human brain. Catecholamine concentrations were found to be 10 (NE) and 7 (DA) fold higher in similar tissue dissected directly from the frozen hemisphere without cutting. A heat-related breakdown in endogenous catecholamine content is suspected. An alternative method is presented for cutting coronal slices of frozen human brain which involves much less heat and friction and provides slices with excellent morphological appearance.