[Histonet] How to Embed in High-humidity env. (???)

[Geoff McAuliffe]

Hi  Larry:

    Make sure you are using the correct formulation for Spurr's resin. 
If you are using the new formulation with ERL 4221 instead of 4206 the 
recipe provided by
your vendor is almost certainly wrong and will lead to exactly the kind 
of problems you are having. I know, I have been there. Check the most 
recent issue of Microsocpy Today for the correct formulation. E. Ann 
Ellis deserves the credit for working this out.

Geoff

Lawrence D Lanberg/O/VCU wrote:

>Dear Histonetters,
>
>I embed mouse eyeballs in Spurr's Formula (epoxide), after dehydrating them
>in a series of increasing EtOh strengths. I section these with a glass
>knife, 0.99 micron thick. I am hoping someone very familiar with Spurr's
>can help.
>
>Beginning very recently, the blocks are poorly cured in the central cavity
>of the eye (outside is ok). This problem began with the onset of summer;
>prolonged baking does not help. I've even tried a 'rapid cure' modification
>-- more than doubling the DMAE accelerator. Our best guess is that
>environmental moisture is the culprit.
>
>I understand that epoxides do not work well in humidity. Unforutnately, I'm
>in Richmond Virginia, where one can literally poach an egg by holding it up
>in the air. The humidity goes right through air-conditioned walls.
>
>Does anyone know of some modifications I can make, to where my Spurrr /
>epoxide embedding will be successful in the high-humidity environment? I
>would be very grateful.
>
>Larry Lanberg
>
>
>
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Histonet mailing list
>Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
>http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
>
>  
>


-- 
--
**********************************************
Geoff McAuliffe, Ph.D.
Neuroscience and Cell Biology
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
voice: (732)-235-4583; fax: -4029 
mcauliff <@t> umdnj.edu
**********************************************