We have found that using low-temperature dehydration and room-temperature impregnation of brain slices gives very good results with Biodur S10/S3. Shrinkage was comparable to that achieved during low-temperature impregnation, and the Mulligan’s staining was robust enough to withstand dehydration and impregnation. Suriyaprapadilok and Withyachumnarnkul (1997) have previously performed plastination of Mulligan-stained thin brain slices (with thickness 4-6 mm) which were later framed with plastic plates. We have found that thicker slices (approximately 1 cm) can tolerate handling without framing (as suggested by Ulfig, 1990; Ulfig and Wuttke, 1990). Furthermore, in wet brain specimens, Mulligan’s stain soon fades unless kept in the dark (Baeres and Møller, 2001) whereas the plastinated slices retain their color and have thus far shown no tendency to fade.
Shrinkage was approximately 7% from a combination of low temperature dehydration and room temperature impregnation, with and without stain, which was around 3% less than Suriyaprapadilok and Withyachumnarnkul (1997) report for low temperature impregnation of brain slices. Therefore, it demonstrates that, contrary to expectations, S10/S3 impregnation of brain material can be accomplished satisfactorily at room temperature. In the current economic climate, this protocol has the added advantage of reduced capital costs; however, it is vital to use air-tight containers in the freezer to avoid the risk of explosion. It is necessary to maintain acetone vapor below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18° C) to prevent the vapors reaching flammable level (Baptista, Bellm, Plagge, Valigosky, 1992).
To conclude, this report suggests an alternative, achievable and relatively low-cost method of plastination of neuroanatomy specimens. Work is on-going to investigate further applications of this approach.
Limitations:
Shrinkage after dehydration was not observed to analyze the effect of dehydration. Moreover, no measurements were taken to establish the shrinkage of grey matter in comparison to white; however, no obvious distortion was found.
Acknowledgements:
The authors would like to thank Ms. Lynda Jane Phillipson for her help in staining the brain slices.
