[Histonet] RNALater, cryosections, OCT, and RNA isolation

[Mikael Niku]

Dear Histonetters,

I'm looking for methods to preserve intestinal tissue samples, in order 
to later isolate RNA from laser microdissected cryosections.
I'm a bit worried about the intestinal enzymes (not sure if the RNA will 
be preserved even at -80C for very long). I was told that RNALater might 
be better, but I don't have personal experience on the stuff.

Does anybody know if RNALater-treated tissues can be later frozen and 
cut to adequate cryosections?
How about antigenicity, as we would probably like to use the same 
samples for immunohistochemistry as well?

Another question: is it true that OCT-embedded frozen tissues can be 
used to isolate RNA (with Trizol, for example)?

I know these have been discussed in the past, but couldn't find definite 
answers in the archives. Perhaps more experience has been gathered since 
then!

With best regards,
Mikael Niku

-----------------------------------------------------
Mikael Niku, PhD, university lecturer            
University of Helsinki, Division of Nutrition
URL: mikael.nikunnakki.info

 - What do I think of western civilization?
   I think it would be a good idea!      (Gandhi)
-----------------------------------------------------