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Morphological changes in rat submandibular gland mucous cells during fixation with 10% formalin
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital (Akademiska sjukhuset), Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
Formalin fixation alters mucous cell structure, causing granule and organelle damage. Glutaraldehyde fixation or rapid perfusion with cold formalin better preserves mucous cell morphology.
Area of Science:
- Histology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Formalin (FA) fixation significantly alters mucous cell ultrastructure compared to glutaraldehyde (GA).
- Understanding these morphological changes is crucial for accurate histological interpretation of submandibular glands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological changes in mucous cells induced by 10% formalin fixation.
- To compare the efficacy of different fixation methods and conditions on preserving mucous cell morphology.
Main Methods:
- Mucous cells were fixed using various methods: 10% FA, buffered 10% FA, cold 10% FA, and a paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde mixture.
- Immersion and venous perfusion fixation techniques were employed.
- Time-course analysis using microwave irradiation post-fixation in the mixture elucidated early fixation changes.
Main Results:
- 10% FA fixation resulted in flattened nuclei, clear cytoplasm, and absent secretory granules.
- Fixation with glutaraldehyde or cold/buffered formalin preserved round nuclei, abundant endoplasmic reticulum, and secretory granules.
- Early 10% FA fixation caused secretory granule rupture and perinuclear organelle destruction.
Conclusions:
- 10% formalin fixation significantly degrades mucous cell morphology, affecting nuclei, cytoplasm, and organelles.
- Glutaraldehyde fixation or rapid perfusion with cold, buffered formalin is recommended for optimal preservation of submandibular gland mucous cells.
- Rapid fixative infiltration is key to minimizing morphological artifacts.