PREPARATION OF CRITICAL POINT-DRIED MOUSE EMBRYOS USING A LASER SCALPEL

We investigated the use of a laser scalpel for tissue sparing demonstr ation of the deep structures of critical point dried specimens. A Nd:Y AG-Laser emitted picosecond pulses (wavelength 1064 nm, pulse width 30 ps) at pulse energies varying from 1 mu J to 6 mJ was used. Differenc es in the effects on sputtered and unsputtered specimens were found. W e separate the floor of the mouth and pharyngeal fornix in mouse embry os (10. developmental day). It was concluded the laser scalpel is supe rior to conventional mechanical dissecting methods when applied to sma ll dried specimens. The advantages and disadvantages of the laser scal pel are discussed.