Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Department of Neuropathology

Muscle Biopsy and Peripheral Nerve Analysis

FORMS

Procedure for Peripheral Nerve and Muscle Biopsies (pdf)
Neuropathology Request Form (pdf)

Fax completed forms to the following fax numbers: (859) 257-6838 and (859) 257-5074

MUSCLE PROCESSING

Routine processing includes preparation of cryostat sections of snap-frozen tissue stained with:

• Hematoxylin-eosin
• Modified Gomori trichrome
• Periodic acid-Schiff
• Oil red O
• NADH-TR
• ATPase (pH 9.4)

When clinically or pathologically indicated, supplemental histochemical and immunohistochemical stains are available in the evaluation of:

• Metabolic disorder
• Inflammatory disorders
• Muscular dystrophies

We also coordinate referral to appropriate reference laboratories for quantitative enzymatic or protein analysis for pertinent disorders (e.g., glycogen or lipid storage diseases; Duchenne muscular dystrophy).

PERIPHERAL NERVE PROCESSING

Routine processing includes preparation of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections stained with:

• hematoxylin-eosin
• Gomori trichrome
• luxol-fast-blue (myelin)
• Garvey (axons)

Plastic-embedded semithin sections (glutaraldehyde-fixed) stained with toluidine blue are also evaluated.

When clinically or pathologically indicated, ancillary histochemical and immunohistochemical stains are available (e.g., inflammatory neuropathies).

ULTRASTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Electron-microscopic examination is available to classify the diagnosis on some muscle and nerve specimens (glutaraldehyde-fixed sample required).

Lab phone: (859) 257-1822
Fax: (859) 257-6838

RESULTS

Reports are relayed by phone and/or fax to the submitting physician in advance of a mailed report.

Neuropathology Faculty

Peter NELSON, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Neuropathology
E-mail: peter.nelson@uky.edu
Phone: (859) 257-1412 ext. 254

Craig HORBINSKI, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pathology and Neuropathology
E-mail: craig.horbinski@uky.edu
Phone: (859) 257-1937

Dianne WILSON, M.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology (Diplomate in Neuropathology)
E-mail: dwilson@email.uky.edu
Phone: (859) 323-6246
Fax: (859) 257-5074

For further questions, or to schedule a biopsy for processing, please call:

Histology: (859) 257-1822
Fax: (859) 257-6838 OR
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine: (859)-323-5425

Please call UKMD's at (859) 257-6845 or (800) 888-5533 if you are unable to reach someone at the above numbers or after normal business hours.