[Histonet] fixation with ethanol?

[Gayle Callis]

Ethanol fixation is can be used for fixation of glycogen, commonly lost in 
aqueous fixatives.  Some use ethanol fixation with some success for 
fixation of frozen sections for immunohistochemistry.  We enjoy that 
success when it is combined with acetone, but it must be used with a word 
of caution, ethanol will not work for all immunostaining needs - other 
fixatives must be tested or optimized for any given antigen.

Often it is used in conjunction with other chemicals,  such as acetic 
acid.  One famous and popular alcoholic fixative is Carnoys that has 
ethanol and acetic acid.   I suggest you access a good histotechnology 
textbook - there are a bunch out there and read up on fixation.   This 
fixative is used for larger pieces of tissue destined for paraffin 
processing.

Sheehan and Hrapchak Theory and Practice of Histotechnology although an 
older text has a excellent discussion on chemicals used for fixation with 
alcohol included.

At 12:00 PM 11/12/2004, you wrote:
>Hi,
>I have a question about fixation. I heard someone taking about using 
>ethanol for fixation? Could someone please provide me with some info on 
>how this can be done? What can it be used for?
>Just curious....
>Eva
>Georgetown University
>
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Gayle Callis
MT,HT,HTL(ASCP)
Research Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology
Montana State University - Bozeman
PO Box 173610
Bozeman MT 59717-3610
406 994-6367 (lab with voice mail)
406 994-4303 (FAX)