An Improved Method for Embedding Retina for Cryosectioning

Abstract

We describe a method for the embedding of retina for cryosectioning. The method used a 1:l mixture of OCT and Aqua-Mount. It was superior to standard OCT embedding techniques in that OCT “framed” the tissue, whereas the Aqua- Mount: OCT mixture infiltrated the extracellular spaces, lending integrity to the tissue. Mildly fixed retina could be sectioned while retaining both good tissue morphology and immunoreactivity of antigens, which are known to be susceptible to masking by formaldehyde fixation.