Bronchoalveolar casting using formalin-fixed canine lungs and a low viscosity silicone rubber.
A method for creating tough, flexible, bronchoalveolar casts from formalin-fixed canine lung is described. A lung was washed using simple methods and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin. While still wet with formalin, an intact lobe was injected with silicone sealant, Silastic 734 RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing), using a caulk gun. Following digestion with protease and corrosion with potassium hydroxide, a bronchoalveolar cast was recovered giving detail as shown using scanning electron microscopy or conveniently seen by stereo light microscopy. This method should be useful for micro-anatomy studies of normal and diseased lungs.
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station 77843-1114.
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D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D016319:Corrosion Casting / Q000379:methods*; D004285:Dogs; D005557:Formaldehyde; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012828:Silicones; D016707:Tissue Fixation / Q000379:methods
D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012828:Silicones; D005557:Formaldehyde