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Artifacts in eighth cranial nerve biopsy
Abstract:
The occurrence of artifactual morphological changes was investigated in human eighth nerve biopsies and corresponding changes were brought about in biopsies from rats by mechanical handling before fixation. At the very site of compression by a pair of forceps the biopsy stained lighter than in its immediate surroundings. Electron microscopy showed denuded and fragmented axons among vesicular debris in the area. Further away the myelin coats were greatly thickened, often to the degree that the axonal canal could no longer be identified. The myelin lamellae showed separation and were occasionally seen in convoluted forms. Also variations in the diameters of the nerve fibres and ruptures of the meylin coats could be produced after mechanical handling.
Insights
Mechanical handling of nerve biopsies causes artifactual changes. Forceps compression leads to lighter staining, fragmented axons, and myelin sheath abnormalities, impacting research findings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Histology
- Pathology
Background:
- Artifactual changes can affect biological sample integrity.
- Understanding mechanical influences on nerve tissue is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate artifactual morphological changes in human and rat eighth nerve biopsies.
- To identify specific alterations caused by mechanical handling before fixation.
Main Methods:
- Human and rat eighth nerve biopsies were subjected to mechanical handling (forceps compression).
- Light microscopy and electron microscopy were used to examine tissue morphology.
Main Results:
- Compression sites showed lighter staining and denuded, fragmented axons with debris.
- Distal areas exhibited thickened myelin sheaths, obscuring axonal canals.
- Myelin lamellar separation, convoluted forms, diameter variations, and myelin coat ruptures were observed.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical handling induces significant artifactual changes in nerve biopsies.
- These artifacts, including myelin and axonal damage, must be considered during histological analysis.
- Proper handling techniques are essential to preserve nerve tissue integrity for research.