New Embedding Method Employing n-Butyl and n-Hexyl Methaerylates for Light Microscopy

A new embedding method employing n-butyl and n-hexyl methacrylates for light microscopic observations of semi-thin sections, was devised for ease in embedding, infiltration, sectioning and staining. The method used n-butyl and nhexyl methacrylates with QCU-1(2,2'-azobis-isobutyronitrile paste)as catalyst. The mixture could be polymerized by heating at 60°C for about 12hr to produce a block with excellent cutting properties.Tissue blocks were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin,2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde, Bouin's fixative, Zenker's fixative, etc., and dehydrated in an alcohol sesr iein the usual way. Semi-thin section1-2μm thic were cut with glass knives on a conventional ultramicrotome or JB-4 Porter-Blum microtome. They could be attached to glass slides by water floatation, without adhesive, and were best dried at 60°C. Staining with aqueous solutions of basic and acid dyes, with removal of the embedding matrix, was sharp and brilliant. Various histochemical reagents were found to be suitable for use with this embedding procedure.