Simplified method of methacrylate embedding for undecalcified bone sections
Wolf, E.; Pompe, B.
Zentralblatt für Allgemeine Pathologie U. Pathologische Anatomie 124(6): 551-556
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-4030 PMID: 7010837 Document Number: 165450
A simplified technique of methacrylate embedded bone biopsies for the diagnosis of bone and haemoblastic disorders is described. Hard tissues are fixated for routine purposes in the Schaffner mixture. Fixations are carried out for fluorescent marked bone using Carnoy mixture and for histochemical methods using 4% purified formaldehyde buffered in 0.1 M solidum cacodylate at pH 7.2. Then, the bone cylinders are dehydrated, defetted and stored at 4 degrees C in methacrylate solution (1 vol. of methyl-methacrylate, 3 vol. of butylmethacrylate, 2.5% benzodylderoxide for 24 hours in vacuum). After the immersion the bones are transferred to plastic capsules filled with the methacrylate mixture described above. The polymerisation takes place in a water bath at 25--26 degrees C. Sections of 4--6 micron thickness can be cut on a special microtome, and after removal of the plastic material by means of toluene they are stained. Results of the method are demonstrated by micrographs.