An improved method for transparenchymal fixation of human liver biopsies for scanning electron microscopy

A method for fixing surgical liver biopsies is described. Hepatic tissue is perfused with a needle which is introduced directly into the parenchyma. Fixation is carried out at constant pressure using a perfusion apparatus. The sinusoids of the liver samples, which weigh up to 5g, are flushed completely clean so that the sinusoidal lining cells may be examined by SEM. This technique is particularly suitable for studying the cellular changes which take place in microcirculation disturbances of the human liver.