title: Rapid low molecular weight polyethylene glycol embedding protocol for immunocytochemistry.
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.
authors.affiliation: Brown University-Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02902.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mowery
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chesner
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spangenberger
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Hixson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis*; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols