What is the primary cause of total loss of nuclear chromatin and desquamation during fixation, and what is a recommended prevention?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the primary cause of total loss of nuclear chromatin and desquamation during fixation, and what is a recommended prevention?

Delayed fixation allowing autolysis is what leads to the total loss of nuclear chromatin and desquamation. When tissue isn’t fixed promptly, endogenous enzymes such as nucleases and proteases remain active long enough to degrade nuclear DNA and proteins, so chromatin disappears and cells peel away. The best way to prevent this is to fix the tissue right away after procurement, and if the specimen is large, cut it into smaller pieces to ensure rapid and thorough penetration by the fixative. Using an adequate fixative volume and proper fixation time also helps arrest enzymatic activity quickly.

Delayed fixation allowing autolysis is what leads to the total loss of nuclear chromatin and desquamation. When tissue isn’t fixed promptly, endogenous enzymes such as nucleases and proteases remain active long enough to degrade nuclear DNA and proteins, so chromatin disappears and cells peel away. The best way to prevent this is to fix the tissue right away after procurement, and if the specimen is large, cut it into smaller pieces to ensure rapid and thorough penetration by the fixative. Using an adequate fixative volume and proper fixation time also helps arrest enzymatic activity quickly.

More practice questions