Glycol methacrylate preparation for evaluation of intraneural implants in frogs

Frog sciatic nerves containing Teflon-coated platinumiridium wire implanted in vivo were embedded in glycol methacrylate (GMA) and microscopically examined for tissue-metal biocompatibility. Nerves containing metal implants were serially sectioned at 2-8 μm on a retracting, automated microtome with triangular glass knives and then stained. Stained sections were examined for demyelination, axon destruction, scar tissue and general tissue response to surgical and implantation procedures. GMA provided necessary support to section tissue containing metal that could not be furnished by paraffin. It also provided versatility in staining that allowed flexibility in specimen analysis. (The J Histotechnol 14:175, 1991).