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

William R. MARKESBERY, M.D.
Professor and Director of Neuropathology
E-mail: wmark0@email.uky.edu
Phone: (859) 323-6049
Fax: (859) 323-2866

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

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

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.