[Histonet] deplasticizing PMMA sections for staining

[John Baker]

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> Hello All,  We are sectioning PMMA embedded rat femur at 5 microns on
> the Polycut.  Then we are deplasticizing for  H & E and Trichrome
> stains. It has been taking over 2 weeks with several changes of xylene
> to get them done and still some remnants of plastic there.  I see in
> Sheehan's Practice and Theory of Histotechnology that in several
> protocols they deplasticize in xylene for 4 hours at 55 degrees C.
> The flash point of xylene is 25 degree C. Is it safe in covered
> staining dishes to actually do this?  Also, we use Mayer's Hematoxylin
> and 2% Eosin to stain.  What H & E protocol do you use for bone?  Any
> suggestions on how to speed up the deplasticizing process welcome.
> Does anyone have Diane Sterchi's and Gayle Callis's email addresses, 
> lost them?
> Thanks, John
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John A. Baker
The University of Michigan
Orthopaedic Research Laboratories
Histology Unit
109 Zina Pitcher Place, 2218 BSRB
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200
734-936-1635