Abstract:

Objective　Comparing the fixation effects of four fixatives，acetone ,4% formaldehyde, AAF and 95% alcohol for adrenal glands, so as to provide experimental proof for making rapid and high quality frozen section clinically.　Methods 　Human normal adrenal glands were subjected to the technique of frozen section and then followed by different fixation and H.E. staining. The structures of all H.E. stained frozen sections of adrenal glands were examined carefully.　Results　Specimens fixed by acetone showed good effect with no structure contraction. The group fixed by 4% formaldehyde exhibited unclear structures observed by low magnification. The group fixed by AAF exhibited both clear structures and good staining effects ,however, partial nucleus shrinkage was observed. Specimens fixed by 95% alcohol showed unclear nuclear structure generally.　Conclusions　 These four fixatives could be used for all swelling tissue similar to adrenal glands  with the standing out as best fixative.

Key words: Fixative, Frozen section, HE staining