[Use of semithin sections from epoxy blocks in the cytological analysis of the retina].

The cytological features of the cell structure of various layers of the retina are revealed better and with greater detail when semi-thin sections from epoxy blocks are stained with basophilic stains (toluidine blue, methylene blue, thionine) than when conventional histological sections are stained with the same stains. Semi-thin sections are suitable for light microscope cytological analysis of relatively large segments of the retina (3 X 8 mm). In future, this material will probably be used for electron microscopic examinations. The currently available methods for staining of semi-thin sections with basophilic stains are relatively simple and produce stable results.