[Histonet] Processing 3-dimensional cell cultures into paraffin

[Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/CCID/NCZVED)]

Histogel works great and does not absorb water like plain agar does. 


Jeanine Bartlett
Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch
(404) 639-3590 
jeanine.bartlett <@t> cdc.hhs.gov


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Monfils,
Paul
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 12:46 PM
To: Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Processing 3-dimensional cell cultures into
paraffin

I have processed and embedded cells grown in/on agar, or post-embedded
in agar or agarose, many times.  It really isn't much different from
processing and embedding tissue. You can trim the agar blocks to
appropriate size with a scalpel (if necessary) either before or after
fixation (if you trim them before fixation, do it while they are cold,
so the agar is firm), and place them in a cassette just like a piece of
tissue. Put them on the processor as usual, processing times the same as
you would use for tissues of equivalent size, and embed as usual. One
difference in sectioning however.  Don't place the blocks in water after
facing them off.  The agar absorbs too much water and becomes soft.  The
blocks should be cut cold, but not moistened.  Either place them on a
cold plate without water, or put them in the refrigerator after facing,
and take them out one at a time as you section them.

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