PLASTINATION OF WHOLE BRAIN SPECIMEN AND BRAIN SLICES

Authors

  • ARBAB ABDUL WADOOD
  • ABDUL JABBAR
  • NIRMAL DAS

Abstract

Background: The human dead body specimens are plastinated for teaching purposes in medical institutions, using
silicone. The silicone impregnated whole brain specimens and brain slices do not give satisfactory results. Methods:
In the present study the brain specimens were plastinated with another polymer known as Polyester-Copolymer. The
brain specimens were first preserved and then fixed with 5% formalin. The specimens were then dehydrated and
degreased in a volatile solvent acetone. The specimens were placed in Polyester- Copolymer solution which penetrated
the brain tissue both intracellulary and intercelluraly. The specimens were then cured by gas method. Results: The
whole brain specimens and brain slices plastinated with Polyester-Copolymer were dry, odorless, handy and durable.
It also gives a clear visual contrast between grey and white matter in brain slices whereas the brain specimens
plastinated with silicone are flexible and sticky. There was no color contrast between grey and white matter.
Conclusion: The polyester impregnated brain specimens and slices are non-toxic and ideal for teaching purposes and
examinations. They require minimal aftercare. The whole organ serial sections of plastinated brain specimens will
help 3- dimensional study of the normal brain and will improve the assessment of brain pathology.

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How to Cite

1.
WADOOD AA, JABBAR A, DAS N. PLASTINATION OF WHOLE BRAIN SPECIMEN AND BRAIN SLICES. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad [Internet]. 2001 Jan. 25 [cited 2025 Jul. 2];13(1):11-3. Available from: https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/4834

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2001): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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