A New Preparation Method For Several Histopathological Examinations On A Single Block

Abstract

A new method of specimen [human, rat liver, kidney, stomach, bone marrow, duodenum, lymph node] preparation is described permitting several studies such as routine staining, histochemistry, enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and EM on a single block of biopsy specimens. Tissues are immersed in the fixative, which primarily stabilizes carbohydrate moieties, and embedded in the mixture of JB-4, methylmethacrylate and divinylbenzene. The resin is polymerized at 4.degree. C. Thin sections (1-2 .mu.m) are obtained with a sliding microtome, and ultrathin sections (60-90 m.mu.) with a ultramicrotome. The sections are stained directly with various conventional procedures without removing the embedding resin. This preparation method offers a potentially useful tool for histopathological studies on biopsy specimens.