Light Microscopy
The light microscopy specimens in the archive predominantly use two staining techniques.
Specimens intended only for light microscopy were fixed in formalin and mercuric chloride, paraffin embedded, and then treated using a modified Picro-Mallory stain.
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Semi-thin sections prepared for electron microscopy were fixed in glutaraldehyde, treated with osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate, resin embedded, and then stained using a combination of methylene blue and basic Fuchsin to recapitulate the appearance of haematoxylin & eosin staining.
Electron Microscopy
Semi-thin sections prepared as outlined above were examined to locate areas of interest for electron microscopy. 90nm ultra-thin sections were prepared from these areas of the resin block and stained with Reynolds' lead citrate solution. Mounted ultra-thin sections were examined using transmission electron microscopy.
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Further descriptions of the histological methods used in the archive can be found in [Review 1 details].