title: A new, less toxic polymerization system for the embedding of soft tissues in glycol methacrylate and subsequent preparing of serial sections.
abstract: The paper describes a new polymerization system for embedding soft tissues in glycol methacrylate (GMA). The polymerization of GMA is initiated by means of a barbituric acid derivative in combination with chloride ions and dibenzoyl peroxide. The catalyst system contains no aromatic amines which constitutes a toxicological advantage over the commonly employed system of peroxide/aromatic amine. Clear blocks are obtained from which 1-2 micrometers sections are easy to cut. In combination with an appropriate softener, polyethylene glycol 400, serial sectioning may be practiced.
mesh_terms: D000179:Acrylates; D000818:Animals; D001463:Barbiturates; D006652:Histological Techniques; D008689:Methacrylates; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011108:Polymers; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000179:Acrylates; D001463:Barbiturates; D008689:Methacrylates; D011108:Polymers; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C005044:hydroxyethyl methacrylate; C032232:barbituric acid