ATR-FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Novel Fixatives and Their Histological Properties on Sheep Heart

Abstract

Objective: In this study, new fixative solutions that are odorless and non-toxic were tested on the heartsof sheep to preserve the cellular structure and tissue architecture in a life-like manner.Material and Method: The changes of new fixatives before and after contact with tissue were detectedfor the first time by the ATR-FTIR spectroscopic method. After a preliminary inspection, hearts were fixedwith six different solutions. It was periodically evaluated for weight, size, color, and hardness. Samplestaken from the left ventricle of each heart stained with Hematoxylin eosin and examined histologically.Results: As a result of the measurements of heart weights, reduction in Solution 1 (Standard FormaldehydeFixative), Solution 4, and Solution 5 were detected at 5.64%, 23.70%, and 14.38%, respectively. InSolution 4 and Solution 5, it was observed that the integrity of the myocardium was protected interms of morphology, the stiffness was suited for sectioning and the coronary vessels were preservedbetter than Solution 1. Further, compared to solution 1, it was determined that the endocardium andmyocardium layers were well preserved in the tissues fixed in Solution 4 and Solution 5. Typical crossstriation appearance in cardiac muscle tissue existed in all three Solution 1, Solution 4, and Solution 5.Conclusion: Solution 4 and Solution 5 were found to have superior fixative properties than Solution 1(Formaldehyde). As a result of ATR-FTIR studies, it was determined that formaldehyde was convertedinto toxic formic acid in Standard Solution 1, while very few harmless changes were detected in Solution4 and Solution 5.