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Effects of Fixation on Tissues

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Medicine™ ((MIMM,volume 81))

Abstract

The primary aim of tissue fixation is to preserve tissue in the long term, ideally without causing alterations in morphology or biochemical integrity. Optimal fixation should therefore inhibit autolysis while preserving enzyme activity and antigen reactivity. However, some of these requirements are mutually exclusive. For example, to stop autolysis, proteolytic enzymes must be inhibited (1). At present, it is not possible to find a fixation technique that fulfils all of these criteria.

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Mortensen, E., Brown, J.M. (2003). Effects of Fixation on Tissues. In: Russell, P.J., Jackson, P., Kingsley, E.A. (eds) Prostate Cancer Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Medicine™, vol 81. Springer, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-372-0:163

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-372-0:163

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-978-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-372-9

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