[Histonet] Processing thin brain slices in. Histogel

[kgrobert <@t> rci.rutgers.edu]

We are trying to process thin slices of mouse cerebellum embedded in
Histogel into paraffin, and we have encountered two problems: 1) the
Histogel button with the slices inside it has been curling up in the
processor ( before anyone asks, we're using our own cassettes, not the
histoscreen ones that come in that starter kit), and pressing it flat with
weights while embedding puts stress on the tissue....has anyone else seen
this?

2) The Histogel, once embedded in paraffin, has occasionally chipped out
of the block on sectioning.  This, to me, implies an infiltration problem,
but this stuff is supposed to be compatible with paraffin processing.  Why
would it not infiltrate?  We ran the buttons on the biopsy program that
came with our VIP 5.  If you want details, I'll send them once the
processor is done.

The Histogel is still within its expiration date, and the curly batches
were done with a fresh tube of Histogel from the fridge.  Any and all
ideas/suggestions/solutions are most welcome.

Happy Friday,
Kathleen


Principal Lab Technician
Neurotoxicology Labs
Molecular Pathology Facility Core
Dept of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Rutgers, the State University of NJ
41 B Gordon Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(848) 445-1443
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