[Histonet] More about the microbeads

[Randolph-Habecker, Julie]

It's me again about the microbeads. Briefly, we have some formalin-fixed
lung tissue from animals who have undergone lung function tests involving
the inhalation of beads - the largest being 50 microns. (We perform research
histology for all of the investigators at our institution and sometimes they
don't consult us before they start experiments.)

Let me first thank everyone for there helpful comments about xylene
alternative. This was very helpful and enlightening so we will be trying
several to see how they work. Also, we are trying frozen sections. However,
we would like to try to paraffin process the tissue.

So.....I think I need to be more specific in my questioning. We are
interested in the pathology - for that reason we do not necessarily need to
see the beads in the tissue. Hear is my big question - do I want the beads
to melt or not? My main concern is if the melting of the beads will alter
the morphology of the tissue. My other concern is that the melted bead
plastic might gum up the processor? On the other hand, if the beads are not
melted but get dislodged from the tissue during processing - will that
effect my processor? How will the beads effect sectioning? Is there anything
else that I should consider before messing with this tissue? I would really
love to talk to someone who has worked specifically with this type of
tissue.

Thanks,
Julie 

Julie Randolph-Habecker, Ph.D.
Experimental Histopathology Shared Resources
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1100 Fairview Ave. N, G1-300
PO Box 19023
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
Tel: (206) 288-1187
FAX: (206) 288-1345
jhabecke <@t> fhcrc.org <mailto:jhabecke <@t> fhcrc.org>



 This electronic message transmission contains information which may be
confidential or privileged. The information is intended to be for the
use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the
intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution
or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have
received this electronic transmission in error, please leave a message
via telephone at (206) 288-6266, notify me by electronic reply, and
delete this message. Opinions and ideas in this message that do not
relate to official business are understood as neither given nor
endorsed by the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. To view our complete
Notice of Privacy Practices, visit our web site at www.seattlecca.org.