Distilled glutaraldehyde: its use in an improved fixation regime for cell suspensions

Abstract

A method is described for the sequential fixation of cell suspensions, suitable for use at room or culture temperatures. Previously described weaknesses of a sequential fixation regime with glutaraldehyde and OsO4 were overcome by the use of vacuum distilled glutaraldehyde as the primary fixative. The results, using a mixed glutaraldehyde-OsO4 fixative and using the 2 components sequentially on a variety of cell types [mouse and limpet], are compared. The advantages of a sequential fixation made possible by the use of vacuum distilled glutaraldehyde rather than commercial glutaraldehyde are discussed.