A rapid plastic embedding technique for preparation of three-micron thick sections of decalcified hard tissue.
A 24 hour start-to-finish method is described for the preparation of three-micron-thick sections of decalcified hard tissues. Following acetone dehydration, the tissue to be embedded is infiltrated under vacuum  with a series of graded clearing solutions which approach the content of the final methyl methacrylate mixture. After overnight in a 35 C oven, the plastic is polymerized by four hours heating at 42 C. Three-micron-thick sections are then easily prepared by using a Jung microtome for high resolution histologic or detailed autoradiographic procedures.
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004285:Dogs; D006652:Histological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D008867:Microtomy; D010969:Plastics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D051381:Rats; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D010969:Plastics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols