A simple method for correlating observations on skin at the light and electron microscopic levels

Abstract

A method is described which allows the embedding of 6 mm cutaneous punch biopsies for subsequent light and electron microscopic examination. Sections of 20 mm2 cut at 0.5-I micrometer are stained for light microscopy. The subtle tinctorial affinities, which approach those achieved on haematological smears, and the preservation of cellular detail frequently make subsequent ultrastructural examination unnecessary. However, when required, a special technique for trimming and resectioning the tissue blocks allows a good correlation between light and electron microscopic observations.