[Histonet] paraffin sectioning troubleshooting

[Smith, Allen]

Frequently one can improve the cutting of a problem block by holding the
flat side of an ice cube against the block for 1 minute and then cutting a
ribbon of 20 to 30 sections before the block has time to warm up.

Allen A. Smith, Ph.D.
Professor of Anatomy
Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences
    Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Miami Shores, Florida  33161


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of William Ares
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 11:12 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] paraffin sectioning troubleshooting

As a newbie to paraffin sectioning on a paraffin microtome, I've been
plagued with differential results since starting.  My current issue is that
as they're cut, my sections are rolling back up on themselves instead of
coming off the blade with the appearance of a venetian blind (as they were
when the sections were looking good).  As they appear brittle, I've tried
putting the blocks in a humid environment to try to rehydrate them a little,
but to no avail.  Anyone have any good troubleshooting tips for me?  Thanks
in advance.

William Ares
Research Technician
Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Tel: (212) 746 5056
Email: wia2005 <@t> med.cornell.edu


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