[Histonet] Drying of fixed cryosections (need to preserve tissue morphology)

[Keng Ng]

Hi, I have a question regarding transport and storage of glutaraldehyde-fixed cryosections. 

I make cryosections of human skin tissue where good morphology is important for the intended application. My samples are fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde and embedded in OCT medium.

However, I've realised that drying cryosections on coated slides (Superfrost plus) at room temperature makes tissue in the dermis (but not in the epidermis) separate into layers, with a lot of gaps in between. Whereas fresh out of the cryostat, the tissue looks fine, solid and tightly packed. I presume this is to do with formation of ice crystals as the tissue thaws? If I keep the tissue wet when it's out of the cryostat, that holds off the damage for a while, but as soon as I let the cryosections dry at room temperature after that, the same damage happens.

So it would seem that perhaps I need to dry the cryosections differently. I would be grateful if anyone could point me in the right direction.

Many thanks in advance.

Keng Wooi Ng
Welsh School of Pharmacy
Cardiff University