Abstract:
This is a comparative descriptive study to compare between 10% Buffered
Formalin and Carnoy’s fixative measuring their effects on the qualities of
subsequent procedures such as tissues sectioning and staining. The study
conducted in Khartoum during the period from 10 th November 2008 to 21st
April 2009.
Fifty histological specimens collected from a rabbit after anesthesia by
chloroform. Tissues obtained from different organs including spleen, liver,
kidneys, skin, small intestine, muscles, large intestine and cartilages . All
histological specimens were fixed in wide suitable containers ten times the
volume of specimen 25 of them by 10% Buffered Formalin and the other by
Carnoy's fluid. Then specimens were processed, sectioned and stained by
Haemtoxylin and Eosin (H and E), Periodic acid schiff's (PAS), Alcian blue
and Perl’s Prussian blue, then examined microscopically. Data entered a
computer, checked, verified and analyzed using SPSS program. Means were
used for comparison of results.
The study showed that 10% buffered formalin is the superior in section
cutting, staining by H and E, staining by Alcian blue and staining by Perl's
Prussian blue as (4.76), (5.28), (4.76) and (5.64) respectively, while carnoy’s
represent(3.84), (4.00), (2.88) and (3.92) respectively. In staining by periodic
acid Schiff’s (PAS) carnoy’s is better (4.52) followed by 10% buffered formalin
(3.76).
The study showed that, though Carnoy’s fixative can rapidly penetrates the
tissues, but it cannot be a substitute for Buffered Formalin. Though, Formalin
has credited the best results, but it might not be suitable with tissues requiring
faster penetration rates such as glycogen and other important carbohydrates.
Similar studies are recommended for further optimization of more save
histological fixatives, Ten percent Buffered Formalin should be used as a
reference for histological appearance.