title: A method for sectioning microwave-fixed brain prior to microdissection and acetylcholine analysis.
abstract: Before proceeding with a detailed study of acetylcholine (ACh) distribution in the rat brain, a method was needed to make 300 microm brain sections for microdissection. We found cryostat sections of microwave-irradiated brains to be of poor quality, with rough surfaces and cracks. The use of a vibratome resulted in smooth, intact sections. This technique requires that unfrozen tissue be immersed in liquid during sectioning. Krebs-Ringer buffer or an inert fluorocarbon liquid (FC-47) were used for such sectioning. ACh was measured in forebrain regions from cryostat sections and vibratome sections cut in buffer or FC-47. Diffusion of ACh was apparent after sectioning in buffer, but not in FC-47. Vibratome sectioning in FC-47 should facilitate study of the distribution of ACh and other labile substances in rat brain.
authors: Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Building 10/Room 2D-46, Bethesda, MD 20014, USA.
authors: D B
authors: DB
authors: Hoover
authors: E A
authors: EA
authors: Muth
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Jacobowitz