X-Message-Number: 13245
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2000 10:54:03 -0800 (PST)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: polyethylene glycol embedding

    Partial dehydration of transplant organs may help in
vitrification. However a safe and quick way to remove 
moisture is needed. Dehydration using the circulatory system
appears to be the only viable alternative. One variant of this
might use a non-toxic hygroscopic liquid. Low molecular weight 
polyethylene glycols might fit the bill here. (see below)
____________________________________________________________

Authors
  Mowery J.  Chesner J.  Spangenberger S.  Hixson DC.
Institution
  Brown University-Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02902.
Title
  Rapid low molecular weight polyethylene
  glycol embedding protocol for immunocytochemistry.
Source
  Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry.  37(10):1549-52, 1989 Oct.
Abstract
  We describe an alternative polyethylene
  glycol (PEG) embedding procedure which utilizes PEG 200 for
  dehydration and PEG 600 for infiltration and embedding of
  perfusion-fixed rat liver. PEG 600 has a melting point of 22 degrees C,
  enabling infiltration of fixed tissue to be performed at room temperature.
  Sections (2 microM) cut in a cryostat at -20 degrees C and immobilized in
  agarose were readily labeled by immunoperoxidase protocols with monoclonal
  antibodies to hepatocyte membrane antigens. Subsequent examination by light
  microscopy or by electron microscopy after re-embedding in resin and
  ultra-thin sectioning showed excellent preservation of morphology, with
  minimal impairment of antigenicity.

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