Localization of mRNAs and Proteins in Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Embedded Tissues

Jacob S. Torgersen ^1*, Harald Takle ¹ and ivind Andersen ¹

¹ Nofima Marin, Ås, Norway

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jacob.torgersen{at}nofima.no.

Submitted on February 9, 2009
Accepted on 1 May 2009

	Abstract

Precise localization of proteins and mRNA in histological sections is necessary for evaluating spatial gene expression patterns. Here we report sensitive detection of the gene products in fish tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) assays on sections of whole specimens and vertebra embedded in methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin. This plastic resin favours easy preparation of various specimen types and enables preparation of large sections with well preserved cell morphology. IHC analysis of the muscle regulatory factor MyoD in transverse sections of juvenile cod revealed MyoD positive cells in the dorsolateral parts of the adaxial muscle. ISH revealed less spatially restricted signals of the bone morphogenic protein bmp4 in muscle and brain. To assess the applicability of ISH on sections of bony tissue, col1a1 and col2a1 expression was investigated in non-decalcified vertebra sections of Atlantic salmon. The former was identified in both chondrocytes and osteoblasts, while the latter was mostly evident in chondrocytes. We conclude that MMA resin offers easy preparation of large and problematic tissues and offers the possibility for carrying out both IHC and ISH analyses using standard protocols.

Key Words: methyl methacrylate, whole embedding, large sections, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

Guidelines | Subscriptions | About | exPRESS - Current - Archive | Business Information | Contact

The Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry is owned, published, and licensed by The Histochemical Society © 2009