Sticker method for preparation of frozen section using adhesive film.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In basic research, especially animal experiments, tissue histology with preserved organ morphology is essential, and the reliability of experiments depends on the quality of tissue sections. Frozen sections adequately maintain the antigenicity of tissues and are suitable for immunohistochemistry. However, thin frozen sections are often difficult to prepare from specimens. Therefore, a simple and fast method with a high success rate of specimen preparation is desired. NEW METHOD: In this study, we propose the "Sticker method," for preparing frozen sections using adhesive film, which is easy and maintains the whole organ morphology even in frozen section. RESULTS: This method requires a simple adhesive film, and other components of general tissue fixation method with embedding medium. The present sticker method showed a higher success rate than the conventional method in preparing frozen sections. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD: Fragile frozen sections can be prepared with intact whole organ morphology without wrinkles. The advantage of the present method is that tissues can be embedded using only a common embedding medium and besides the adhesive film, no other special equipment is required. Furthermore, this method can be easily used by virtually every lab performing cryosections. CONCLUSIONS: The sticker method using adhesive films is characterized by a shortened preparation time and increased success rate of frozen section compared with conventional method.