Embedding of the isolated enamel organ of the rat incisor for electron microscopy

Abstract

Abstract

A detailed histologic and cytologic investigation of the enamel organ of the rat incisor requires that it be divided into small pieces before embedding. This report describes a method for easy identification, embedding and orientation of the individual tissue pieces. After initial fixation isolated enamel organs from 3 month-old rats are divided so that the form of each specimen indicates its original position in the enamel organ. AH specimens from an individual enamel organ are subsequently postfixed and embedded in a special tray. Small blocks containing the specimens are mounted with the desired orientation at the end of a cylindrical acrylic stub. This procedure or parts thereof may be adopted to many other types of organized tissues.