A modified tape transfer approach for rapidly preparing high-quality cryosections of undecalcified adult rodent bones

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Histology-based analyses are important tools to dissect cellular and molecular mechanisms of skeletal homeostasis, diseases, and regeneration. The success of these efforts is highly dependent on rapidly obtaining high-quality sections of mineralized skeletal tissues suitable for various analyses. However, the current techniques for preparing such sections are still far from satisfactory. This study aimed to develop a new approach for preparing high-quality undecalcified bone sections applicable to various histological analyses. METHODS: Two important modifications were made to the conventional Cryojane Tape-Transfer System, including utilization of an optimized adhesive to prepare adhesive glass slides for improving the transfer efficiency, and a cheap conventional benchtop UV transilluminator for UV curing. Cryosections of undecalcified rodent bones were prepared using this modified tape transfer approach, and their tissue morphology and structural integrity were visually examined. A variety of histological analyses, including calcein labeling, Von kossa staining, immunofluorescence, and enzymatic activity staining as well as 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) and TUNEL assays, were performed on these sections. RESULTS: We developed a modified version of tape transfer approach that can prepare cryosections of undecalcified rodent adult bones within 4 days at a low cost. Bone sections prepared by this approach exhibited good tissue morphology and structural integrity. Moreover, these sections were applicable to a variety of histological analyses, including calcein labeling, Von kossa staining, immunofluorescence, and enzymatic activity staining as well as EdU and TUNEL assays. CONCLUSION: The tape transfer approach we developed provides a rapid, affordable, and easy learning method for preparing high-quality undecalcified bone sections valuable for bone research. THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE: Our research provides a rapid, affordable, and easy learning method for preparing high-quality undecalcified bone sections that can be potentially used for accurate diagnosis of various bone disorders and evaluation of the efficacy of different therapies in the treatment of these diseases.