A new microtome approach and its relation to 3D imaging

Abstract

A continuing concern of this laboratory is to improve techniques for acquiring and displaying 3D images of structure over a wide range of magnification from a single, identical piece of tissue. One of the major problems is to slice the sample thin enough in one dimension that ultra structure can be preserved. Slicing is not a serious drawback because computer reconstruction techniques permit us to put the slice images together for comparison with the next lower level of magnification all the way down to the whole specimen. Reembedding techniques have also helped to bridge the gap between magnification levels. Ironically it is at the first level of slicing that thickness prevents adequate preservation making the specimen very difficult to section. For brain tissue the Vibratome® has become the preferred microtome but it does not handle many softer and harder tissues and even neuroscientist tend to prefix their tissue. There still appears to be need for improved methods of cutting a variety of fresh tissues.