A method for collecting semithin epoxy serial sections for light microscopy and 3-D reconstruction.

In the three-dimensional reconstruction of neuronal structure, it is imperative that ribbons of semithin or ultrathin sections be obtained. Resin-embedded semithin sections display better structural details than paraffin-embedded sections. The cutting and collecting of long ribbons of resin-embedded semithin sections using a microtome, requires the use of large troughs on glass knives. A simple plastic trough has been described which facilitates the collection of ribbons directly onto a coverslip. As the ribbons are formed, they are floated on a coverslip. The water in the trough is slowly drained through a tubing which is attached to a syringe. The ribbons settle on the coverslip, which is easily removed and placed on a hotplate to dry the sections.