[Histonet] softening agent for tissues embedded in paraffin blocks

[Debbie Faichney]

Hello Jose,

We routinely surface decalcify the trimmed/faced block for one hour with a commercial product (Rapid Decalcifier or RDC, Cellpath) which contains Hydrochloric acid.  Works a treat!  Alternatively we have been known to use a splash of laundry fabric softener in the soaking water for IHC sections.

Which species of fish are you sectioning?  This can make a huge difference to the timing in either solution.

Best regards


Debbie Faichney
Histopathology 
Institute of Aquaculture
University of Stirling
Stirling, FK9 4LA
UK
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-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jose Luis Palazon Fernandez
Sent: 26 September 2012 10:56
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] softening agent for tissues embedded in paraffin blocks

 
Dear List-members

I'm trying to cut some fish muscle samples (along with skin and some bone tissues) embedded in paraffin (fixed in Bouin's fixative and decalcified with EDTA). I find it very difficult to cut these blocks and I would like to know, based in your experience, what tissue softening agent do you recomend to solve this problem. Many thanks in advance

greetings,

José Luis



Dr. José Luis Palazón Fernández
Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas Universidad de Oriente Boca del Rio-Isla Margarita-Venezuela Direccion actual: Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucia-CSIC Campus universitario Rio San Pedro, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, España
email: jluis.palazon <@t> icman.csic.es; jose.palazon <@t> ne.udo.edu.ve
tlf: +34-956832612; fax: +34-956834701; cell: +34-600487100 _______________________________________________
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