Simple Method for the Simultaneous Demonstration of Formation and Resorption in Undecalcified Bone Embedded in Methyl Methacrylate

Abstract

A rapid method for processing mineralized bone biopsies with acrylic resin is described. The processing schedule is completed within 4 days, without the use of vacuum infiltration and using minimal amounts of reagent. Histological sections can be stained for selected features of bone, including acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase, in a combined histochemical procedure. This technique combines many favorable aspects from previously published methods into 1 reproducible procedure for the optimal preservation and demonstration of a number of histological entities in bone. (The J Histotechnol 20:307, 1997)

Keywords:

• acid phosphatase
• alkaline phosphatase
• methyl methacrylate
• undecalcified bone