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Leica VT1000 SVibrating-blade microtome for most sophisticated sectioning requirements

VT1000_S_engl.QXD:VT1000_S_engl_New.QXD 19.11.2008 14:01 Uhr Seite 3

The Leica VT1000 S vibrating-blade microtome is the

instrument of choice for high-quality sectioning

requirements in neurophysiology, neuropathology and

experimental pathology. Whether sectioning fixed

tissue for specific neuropathology tests or sectioning

unfixed native tissue e.g. for patch clamping or ratio

imaging tests – the Leica VT1000 S always provides

convincing sectioning results.

Linear selection of both sectioning speed and sectioning

frequency and 5 different amplitude settings allow the

user to adjust the VT1000 S to meet virtually any section-

ing needs. Since time is of tremendous importance

when dealing with unfixed fresh tissue every effort has

been made to accelerate the sectioning process: the

Leica VT1000 S features a high-speed knife return

stroke of 5 mm/sec as well as a freely programmable

sectioning window which ensures ex tremely quick

sectioning of even the smallest specimens. An adjustable

specimen retraction feature protects the specimen

during the return stroke of the knife. Knife holder and

buffer tray are easily exchangeable thus eliminating

any risk of fixation solution carry-over when changing

from fixed to unfixed specimens. Enzyme activity within

the tissue is preserved optimally during the sectioning

process as the instrument allows sectioning under

physiological conditions. This is achieved by either a

combination of removable buffer tray / integrated ice

bath or a double-walled buffer tray with thermostat

temperature control for constant buffer temperature.

LeicaVT1000 S for precision sectioning in neuroscience


Design and ergonomics

The classic lines of the Leica VT1000 S make working

with the instrument safe and easy – ergonomic hand

rests and direct access to all functional elements

provide highest comfort and safety.

AS SLOW AS NECESSARY –

BUT AS FAST AS POSSIBLE

NOW:

Reproducible setting of superslow

sectioning speed for native tissue in

combination with fast return speed.


Calbindin D positive neu -rons in rat brain cortex.30 µm section. 200x.

GFAP positive astrocytesin rat hippocampus. Notethe astrocyte processessurrounding the bloodvessel.30 µm section. 200x.

Enlargement of CA1 regi-on showing pyramidalneurons with apical dendritic processes.

Careful sectioning under physiological conditions

Working with the Leica VT1000 S under physiological conditions

provides optimum protection for tissue, enzymes and antigens

during sectioning. For that purpose, the specimen is placed into a

buffer tray filled with cooled physiological buffer solution. The

Leica VT1000 S provides a choice of two methods to maintain the

buffer temperature stable:

• Filling the integrated ice bath with crushed ice.

• Using the double-walled buffer tray with thermostat control.

The double-walled buffer tray can be equipped with clamps to

maintain an oxygene-gassing hose in the correct position. The tray

is available in two different sizes which allows to section

specimens of 33 x 40 mm or as large as 70 x 40 mm. The magnetic

specimen disc (left in photograph) makes it easy to orient the

specimen prior to sectioning.

Practical details:

• Easy specimen change, i.e. specimen disc can

be removed without having to remove the

buffer tray.

• The efficiency of the large-field magnifier

which is supplied as part of standard delivery

can be enhanced with a fiber-optical lighting

system (optional accessory). This system

ensures exact and individually adjustable

illumination of the entire sectioning range for

stress-free sectioning.


Individual accessory configurations

Buffer tray L and knife holder L for sectioning specimens up

to 70 x 40 mm.

Special knife holder for sectioning specimens up to 20 mm high.

CA3 field of rat hippo -campus. Syntaxin posi -tive axon terminals overpyramidal cells. 40 µm section. 400x.

Calbindin D positive neu-rons in rat brain cortex.30 µm section. 200x.

Calbindin D positive Pur -kinje cells in rat cerebel-lum. 30 µm section. 200x.

GFAP positive astrocytesin the granular layer ofrat cerebellum. 40 µm section. 1000x.

Labeling of cholinergicseptal neurons in ratbasal forebrain by using apolyclonal antiserumagainst choline acetyl-transferase (ChAT).

Live/dead cell assayreveals viable neurons(fluorescingreen) in 50 µmsections of hippo campus.


Leica VT1200Leica VT1200 S

Vibrating Blade Microtomes

Leica VT1200_en 01.12.2006 15:30 Uhr Seite 1

Leica VT1200/VT1200 S: Good VibraThe Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S are vibrating blade microtomes for

sectioning fixed or unfixed tissue specimens, with specific applica-

tions for neurosciences. The VT1200 / S microtomes feature a new

blade holder design that minimizes vertical deflection of the blade

and protects delicate specimens, such as brain, spinal cord and

other mammalian tissues, from mechanical damage. Instrument

stability and the minimization of vertical deflection result in sec-

tions of the highest quality, while retaining viable cells on the sec-

tion surfaces in greater numbers. The Leica VT1200 / S may also be

used to provide superior sections of plant specimens and certain

industrial materials.

The semi-automated Leica VT1200 has been designed for users

who prefer to manually control sectioning parameters such as sec-

tion thickness and cutting stroke for each individual section. The

Leica VT1200 vibrating blade microtome offers straightforward,

intuitive operation, fast sectioning and a full range of accessories

at an attractive price.

The fully automated Leica VT1200 S is recommended for multi-user

laboratories. Semi-automated and fully automated working modes

can be accomplished with the same instrument. The fully automat-

ed mode of the VT1200 S offers automatic feeding, specimen

retraction, and a cutting window. The Leica VT1200 S stores indi-

vidual operational parameter settings for up to 8 users.

The Leica VT1200/VT1200 S vibrating blade microtomes were

designed in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Peter Jonas and his team at

the Institute of Physiology, University of Freiburg, Germany.

Customized ComfortThe separate, foil-protected controlpanel can be placed on either side ofthe instrument depending on the per-sonal preference of the user.

Fatigue-free WPalmrests on or double-watray allow a renomic workin


rations – Great Sections

Leica Design by Werner Hölbl

free Work s on the ice bathle-walled buffer

w a relaxed, ergo-orking position.

Precise Preparation The built in LED illumination providesexceptional lighting without addingheat. On the Leica VT1200 S, the lightintensity is 5-step adjustable.

Flexible Performance The buffer tray can be equippedwith a clamp to maintain an oxy-gen-gassing hose in the correctposition.

Modular Functionality Both instrument versions can beenhanced with an optional mag-nifier (2x) or microscope toimprove visual acuity.


The ice bath and buffer tray enable working under physiological con-ditions. The modules can be removed from the instrument to allow con-venient positioning and orientation of the specimen, e.g., under amicroscope. Tissues are glued directly onto a specimen holder withcyanoacrylate adhesive, and mounted into a buffer tray, which is filledwith physiological buffer and kept cold by crushed ice. The specimenholder is kept firmly attached in the buffer tray by magnets.

An Epoxy-coated metal buffer tray, which is highly conductive, is partof the standard configuration. An autoclavable plastic buffer tray isavailable as an accessory. Use of the plastic tray prevents the pres-ence of metal ions in the buffer, which can have a negative effect onthe specimens. For both trays, a plastic cover is available to avoid dilu-tion of the buffer by crushed ice. Both trays are conveniently kept inplace by magnets.

A large-volume, double-walled buffer tray with an optional circulation-cooling device can be used instead of the ice bath and buffer tray. Thedouble-walled buffer tray is equipped with palmrests.

A variety of specimen holders, which can be rotated by 360°, are avail-able. Holders are conveniently kept in place by a magnet and can becomfortably inserted and removed with a manipulator.

The optional magnetic specimen holder with engraved degree circles(0°, 5°, and 10°) is available for reproducible orientation.

The newly designed blade holder can be rotated through 90° to permitsafe and accurate insertion of an entire double-edged razor, sapphireor injector blade. The clearance angle is adjustable between 15°, 18°,and 21°. The blade holder is designed to reduce buffer spills duringsectioning.

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Specification Leica VT1200 Leica VT1200 S

Adjustable vertical bladedeflection • •Safe blade insertion • •Optimized blade holderdesigned for minimum buffer spillage • •Adjustable amplitude between0–3 mm in 0.05 mm step • •Fixed frequency (85 Hz +/- 5 Hz) • •Motorized blade holder sectioning speedadjustable between 0.01 to 1.5 mm/sec. • •Selection of buffer trays – metal, plastics • •(autoclavable) and double walled

Semi-automated cut mode • •Memory (MEMO) button forstored specimen thickness •Fully automated cut mode •Specimen retraction •Freely adjustable cutting window withtwo individually programmable edges •Parameter-setting memory for 8 users •

Optional Measurement Device: Leica Vibrocheck™The vertical deflection of the blade can be measured by Leica’sVibrocheck™ measurement device. Both vertical deflection (inµm) and rotation direction of the adjustment screw are displayedon the separate, foil-protected control panel. The adjustmentscrew on the blade holder allows reduction of the vertical deflec-tion to below 1µm, which significantly increases the number ofviable cells.


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Leica VT1200 – Technical SpecificationsCutting frequency (± 10%) 85 Hz (± 10%)Amplitude from 0–3 mm, in 0.05 mm incrementsCutting speed (± 10%) 0.01–1.5mm/sReturn speed (± 10%) 2.5 mm/sTotal vertical specimen stroke 20 mm (motorized)Cutting range 45 mm (adjustable)Maximum specimen size:

With standard blade holder 33 x 50 mmSpecimen orientation, rotating 360°Specimen plate, swiveling 0–10°

Section thickness adjustment manual, in 1 µm increments

Rated voltage range (± 10%): 100 V–240 VRated frequency (± 10%): 50/60 HzPower consumption: 35 VASize L x W x H (Basic instrument without control unit): 600 mm x 250 mm x 230 mmWeight (Basic instrument without control unit): 56 kg

Leica VT1200 S – Technical Specification – Same as Leica VT1200 above, plus:

Return speed (± 10%): 1 – 5 mm/s, in 0.5 mm incrementsCutting window: 0.5 mm–45 mmSpecimen retraction: 0–100 µm (adjustable, can be deactivated)Section thickness adjustment: manual in 1 µm increments or automatic max. 1000 µm

We wish to express our thanks to Prof. Jonas for granting his permission to use the application photographs contained in this brochure.For additional information we refer to:Pflügers Arch - Eur. J. Physiol. (2002) 443:491-501Patch-clamp recording in brain slices with improved slicer technologyJ.R.P. Geiger - J. Bischofberger - I. Vida - U. FröbeS. Pfitzinger - H.J. Weber - K. Haverkampf - P. Jonas

The Leica VT1200 and the Leica VT1200 S have been designed and manufactured in compliance with CSA-us, c-CSA, and IEC requirements.

State-of-the-art development, manufacturing and quality control procedures – certified under DIN EN ISO 9001 – ensure highest quality and reliability.

A wide range of accessories available on request.Technical specification subject to change without prior notice.


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