The effect of different fixatives on chromatin: cytochemical and ultrastructural approaches

The Histochemical Journal
A FraschiniM G Manfredi Romanini

Abstract

This study explores the effects of two types of fixative on chromatin. The first type (acrolein, glutaraldehyde) engenders a high degree of ultrastructural preservation. The other type are fixatives that are widely used in cytochemistry and cytogenetics (acetic acid, 3:1 by vol. methanol-acetic acid, methanol alone, formaldehyde). Lymphocytes of adult rats so-fixed in vitro were prepared for electron microscopy or microdensitometric evaluations of smears. Assessments were made of variations in their total protein, nuclear basic protein and DNA contents. DNA was determined both as Feulgen-positive material and by its binding of intercalating dyes (Methyl Green, specific for double-stranded polynucleotides). Our results showed that some fixatives break up the chromatin organization by acting on particular components of chromatin fibres. They can thus be considered to be destructive agents in situ. In addition, a revaluation of some aldehyde fixatives is proposed for both ultrastructural and cytochemical research.

References

Apr 1, 1977·Experimental Cell Research·A E Retief, R Rüchel
Jan 1, 1972·Histochemie. Histochemistry. Histochimie·R KieferW Sandritter
Dec 1, 1973·The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry : Official Journal of the Histochemistry Society·R W Rasch, E M Rasch
Apr 1, 1974·Experimental Cell Research·T Brody
Jan 1, 1967·Histochemie. Histochemistry. Histochimie·J E Scott
May 1, 1969·Journal of Ultrastructure Research·W Bernhard
Apr 1, 1969·The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry : Official Journal of the Histochemistry Society·B H Mayall
Nov 1, 1973·The Journal of Cell Biology·D E Olins, E B Wright
Jan 1, 1954·Stain Technology·O ITIKAWA, Y OGURA
May 1, 1961·The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry : Official Journal of the Histochemistry Society· van DUIJN
Feb 1, 1964·The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry : Official Journal of the Histochemistry Society·D D SABATINIR J BARRNETT
Nov 21, 1964·Nature·A BOYUM

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Apr 1, 1985·The Histochemical Journal·D Hopwood
Jan 17, 2004·Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·Kirsty SwindellsSalvador González
Oct 27, 2004·Modern Pathology : an Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc·Vanessa Campo-RuizSalvador González
Nov 23, 2006·Chromosoma·Claudia HeppergerSteffen Dietzel
Sep 1, 1987·Current Eye Research·D H CharW J Meecham
Feb 3, 2019·The Journal of Biological Chemistry·Joel M Gottesfeld
Jan 1, 1986·Histochemistry·M G Manfredi RomaniniC A Redi
Nov 13, 2007·Journal of Biomedical Optics·Maddalena T TilliPriscilla A Furth

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
R E Rewell
The Histochemical Journal
D Hopwood
The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry : Official Journal of the Histochemistry Society
F J HESLINGA, F A DEIERKAUF
Acta Cytologica
P D Mitchell
Acta Cytologica
D E Elefson
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved