The Use of a Chrome Alum-Gelatin (Subbing) Solution as a General Adhesive for Paraffin Sections

Abstract

The adhesion obtained from a chrome alum-gelatin solution has been found far superior to results given by widely used general adhesives (Haupt's gelatin and Mayer's egg albumen) for paraffin sections. The subbing solution, which consists of 5.0 gm gelatin and 0.5 gm chrome alum per liter of water, is easier to apply and gives more consistent results. Sections affixed to subbed slides are resistant to removal by acids and bases: 1.0 and 0.1 N HCl or H,SO,, 1 M H,PO,, 5% oxalic and trichloroacetic acids, 1% and 10% lactic acid, 1.0 and 0.1 N NaOH or NH,OH, and other fluids and solutions such as organic solvents, water, hypochlorite, KMnO, and thiosulfate. The applied adhesive is virtually unstained by many stains, including hematoxylin, eosin, fast green, safranin, PAS, Sudan IV and Mallory's triple stain. The only treatment yet found to detach a t b e d section in less than 6 hr is immersion in 5% trichloroacetic acid for 15 min at 100 C. The concentration of gelatin and chrome alum in the solution recommended is much lower than in previously described adhesives, but this does not seem to lessen its ability to afEx the sections. If the concentrations of gelatin and chrome alum are deaeased from those described, adhesive qualities are also decreased. An iniiase in the concentration of the ingredients causes the adhesive to become stained. The described solution therefore gives optimum adhesion and "resistance" to staining.

The use of histology in the study of plant tissue culture systems—Some practical comments

“…1 filter paper. This solution may be stored at 4 ° C for up to 48 h, but should be discarded after that time (Pappas, 1971). Further information on handling sections can be obtained in the papers by Bennett et al (1976) and Yeung and Law (1987).…”

Inhibitory Effect of Fluoranthene on Photosynthetic Processes in Lichens Detected by Chlorophyll Fluorescence

“…Compound (Electron Microscopy Sciences) using the freeze cryostat (AOC, USA). Sections were stretched on glass slides previously treated with chrome alum-gelatine (Pappas, 1971) and air-dried. Adhered sections were then rehydrated in distilled water and without staining mounted into 50% glycerol and examined under a light microscope (Olympus BX-50, Japan) equipped with the digital camera (Camedia 3030Z, Japan).…”

Paraffin and Polyester Waxes

“…For general histological studies and if the slides are not subjected to extensive washing and high-temperature treatments, we find that good quality precleaned slides can be used as such, without the need of prewashing and coating with a binding agent. Otherwise, the slides should be cleaned followed by coating with an adhesive, such as gelatin-chrome alum [17] or silane [8]. Formulae for subbing solutions are given in the next section.…”