[Histonet] O.C.T. embedding vs. freezing of unembedded samples

[Mareike Heimann]

Hi there, 

I have been wondering about the advantages (or disadvantages) of embedding tissue in O.C.T. before snap-freezing in liquid nitrogen when compared to snap-freezing the "naked" tissue. 
I do use O.C.T. before freezing, but when recently asked why, I found no better answer than "it seems to be what most people do..."
I would be most grateful for any explanations!
(My tissue blocks are used for immunohistochemical stainings later on)

Regards, 
Mareike