[Histonet] shrinking mouse eyes

[Thomas, Nancy]

Dear experts,
We often get a request to embed and section mouse eyes in GMA.  Currently we have been working with samples from 1 month old mice.  The big problem we need to solve is that the shape of the eyes is fine up until we embed them.  I'm sure the heat from the exothermic reaction is causing the eyes to sink inward, losing their round shape, but  what can prevent this?   We use the Immuno-bed kit which sets up fine and sections well.  Is there something more I can do during dehydration and infiltration steps?  We have experimented with longer dehydration times, but haven't seen much difference.  The eyes were fixed in Davidson's for 24 hr.  Would longer fixation help?
Thank you in advance for all advice,

Nancy Thomas
Senior Lab Manager, Histology Core
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
1000 E. 50th Street
Kansas City, MO  64110