Histology service tissue/fixative matrix

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The table below displays information on which fixatives are appropriate for specific mouse tissues.

A check mark (√) indicates that a fixative and tissue combination are appropriate.

Tissue 10% NBF 4% PFA Bouins Telly's
duodenum √ √ √ √
jejunum √ √ √ √
ileum √ √ √ √
colon/anus √ √ √ √
stomach √ √ √ √
cecum √ √ √ √
liver √ √ √ √
kidneys √ √ √ √
adrenals √ √ √ √
spleen √ √ √ √
pancreas √ √ √ √
preputial or clitoral glands √ √ √
urinary bladder  √ √ √ √
prostate, gland  √ √ √ √
testes √ √ √ √
epididymides √ √ √ √
uterine horns √ √ √ √
uterine tubules √ √ √ √
ovaries √ √ √ √
heart √ √ √ √
lungs √ √ √ √
brain/skull (medulla, middle and inner ear, thymus, posterior cerebrum) √ √ √
brain/skull (anterior cerebrum, olfactory bulbs, eyes, upper molars, nose)  √ √ √
rear leg √ √ √ √
front leg √ √ √ √
feet √ √ √ √
tail with skin √ √ √ √
cervical and thoracic spine √ √ √ √
thoracic and lumbar spine √ √ √ √
tongue √ √ √ √
molars √ √ √ √
submandibular salivary glands  √ √ √ √
lymph nodes √ √ √ √
thyroid and parathyroids √ √ √ √
skin - dorsal skin, tail skin, ear (pinna) skin, ventral skin, muzzle and eyelids √ √ √ √
 

NOTES:

  • Avoid alcoholic fixes such as Telly's or Carnoy's for brain tissue - extended time in alcohol causes vacuoles.
  • Tissue fixed in Bouin's should be fixed for no longer than 24 hours - extended time in Bouin's causes the tissue to become brittle.
  • 4% Paraformadelhyde (PFA) is best for tissue being prepared for in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry.
  • Pancreas that is fixed in Bouins must be shipped in water - alcohol leaches out the insulin and the staining (uaually AF) will not work.