ABSTRACT
Manganese is accumulated in many types of cells to concentrations much in excess of the blood level of 0.05 to 0.1 μM.1 The liver is an important site of accumulation where one of its functions is activation of the mitochondrial Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase, which contributes to defense against reactive oxygen radicals. Probably the most crucial point is that the slices should be sufficiently thin, and agitated sufficiently rapidly during incubation, for there to be an adequate exchange of oxyzen between tissue and medium to ensure oxygenation of the central cells of the slices by diffusion. The organ is steadied with a horizontally-held microscope slide, exerting only very light pressure, while cutting slices vertically with a moistened, one-sided razor blade or Stadie-Riggs blade, using a gentle sawing motion; the edge of the slide also acts as a partial guide for the blade.
