FIXATION, DECALCIFICATION, AND TISSUE PROCESSING EFFECTS ON ARTICULAR-CARTILAGE PROTEOGLYCANS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 80  (6) , 569-573
Abstract
Neutral buffered 4% formaldehyde fixation for 48 h preserved well the proteoglycan content of bovine articular cartilage. Neither subsequent demineralization in 10% EDTA, nor light microscopic tissue processing, reduced the hexosamine or uronic acid content of the tissue. Fixation in alcoholic solutions increased Safranin O binding as well as periodic acid Schiff reaction of the cartilage matrix as measured by microspectrophotometry. The enhanced staining of cartilage apparently was due to better preservation of the glycoprotein oligosaccharides. Quaternary ammonium salts in the fixative suppressed the staining of cartilage matrix with Safranin O.