A MYLAR AND ACLAR PLASTIC METHOD FOR GIANT HISTOLOGIC SECTIONS OF LUNG

Abstract

Whole lung sections at a thickness of 6[mu] have been produced in serial or subserial form by a method that utilizes formalin perfusion of the lung, electric rotary slicing, Aristowax embedding, and an all-plastic "sandwich" type of mount made of Aclar and Mylar. The method produces a section that shows the total interrelationship of normal and diseased tissues and that can be studied for fine microscopic details. The method is practical, relatively inexpensive, and highly informative. The specific methodology is given in detail. A particular advantage of the technique is the elimination of glass in the mounting of the sections; the all-plastic preparations can be handled without the hazard of sharp glass edges and can be filed in relatively little space without concern for breakage.