AN IMPROVED MOUNTING METHOD FOR OBSERVATION OF THICK SPECIMENS USING CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY

When applying aqueous media to mount thick specimens, air bubbles occu r frequently between coverslips and slide glasses, This results in an increase of background signal by confocal microscopy. Using Spurr's re sin as a mounting medium, we could observe thick specimens with oil im mersion objective lens without the use of coverslips, then avoid air b ubbles near the specimen. Fading of the fluorescence appeared to be le ss in specimens mounted by the resin than in specimens mounted by aque ous media, Further, the new method increased depth of held so that mor e planes of specimens could be analyzed.