Studies to improve fixation of human nerves. IV. Effect of time elapsed between death and glutaraldehyde fixation on density of microtubules and neurofilaments.

Glutaraldehyde fixation of rat peroneal nerves after the animal was killed (simulated autopsy) was associated with a statistically significant decrease of density (number per unit area) of microtubules (MT) in comparison with controls (simulated biopsy). The density of MT decreased progressively with prolongation of time elapsed prior to glutaraldehyde fixation (1, 6, and 12 hours). Such a time effect was not demonstrated for density of neurofilaments.