Samples were cut in size of approximately 0.5 × 5 cm
and immersed in 10% buffered formalin (BDH Laboratory, UK) before
placing them in a plastic cassette and in an enclosed tissue processor
(Thermo Fisher Scientific, Shandon Pathcenter, USA). The treatment
consisted of a fixation process inwhich sampleswere placed in buffered
formalin 10% v/v for 6 h and then in 70% v/v of formol acetic alcohol
(81% v/v absolute alcohol, 10% v/v of formaldehyde) for 2 h and
15 min. Hereafter, the fixed samples were dehydrated with ethanol at
95% v/v for 1 h and absolute ethanol for 2 h and 45 min. Chloroform
(VWR, UK) was then used for 2 h and 45 min to clear them before impregnate
them with paraffin wax (Histological Wax, Poth Hille & Co.
Ltd. UK) for 3 h.