X-Message-Number: 10829
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 23:54:27 -0800 (PST)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: preserving human brains

Authors
  Vonsattel JP.  Aizawa H.  Ge P.  DiFiglia M.  McKee AC.  MacDonald M. 
  Gusella JF.  Landwehrmeyer GB.  Bird ED.  Richardson EP Jr.  et al.
Institution
  Laboratory for Molecular Neuropathology, Massachusetts General Hospital,
  Charlestown 02129.
Title
  An improved approach to prepare human brains for research.
Source
  Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology.  54(1):42-56, 1995 Jan.
Abstract
  We describe two protocols for preparing human brains
  collected for research and diagnosis. In both protocols, one half
  brain is processed for research and the other for
  neuropathological evaluation. Clinical, neuropathological and tissue mRNA
  retention data are used for sample categorization. In protocol 1, coronal,
  whole hemisphere slices cut at standardized landmarks are frozen with a
  cooling device at -90 degrees C, which yields discrete anatomical structures.
  In selected instances, small blocks of brain are frozen at
  -160 degrees C in liquid nitrogen vapor. Cooling device or liquid nitrogen
  vapor frozen samples are suitable for in situ hybridization, protein blotting
  or immunohistochemistry. Morphological freezing artifacts are minimal. In
  protocol 2, one half brain is frozen en bloc on dry ice;
  this tissue is suitable for regional evaluation of gene expression or
  neurochemistry. Morphological freezing artifacts are severe. In both
  protocols, the other half brain is fixed in formalin prior
  to sectioning and diagnostic evaluation. The standardized selection of
  paraffin blocks from each brain allows precise diagnoses to
  be established, including identification of dangerous infectious processes;
  moreover, it makes it possible to produce a set of uniformly selected blocks
  and slides for comparative studies. These protocols lead to standardized
  tissue preparation for research and reduce variables impairing interpretation
  and comparison of data.

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