A method for exposing the internal anatomy of small and delicate tissues for correlated SEM/TEM studies using polyethylene glycol embedding

J Microsc. 1984 Feb;133(Pt 2):177-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1984.tb00483.x.

Abstract

A method for preparing and handling large, clean, distortion-free cut surfaces through small and delicate tissues for correlated SEM/TEM examination is described. In this method, tissues are fixed according to conventional protocols; however, instead of critical-point-drying after fixation, tissues are first embedded in polyethylene glycol (PEG), a water-soluble waxy solid. Tissue blocks are easily oriented and sectioned to the desired regions, immersed in a solvent to remove PEG, critical-point-dried, and examined with an SEM. The same tissue blocks can be reworked for TEM by immersing in propylene oxide and embedding in an epoxy resin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chick Embryo
  • Histological Techniques*
  • Lung / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning*
  • Polyethylene Glycols*

Substances

  • Polyethylene Glycols