Preparation of serial sections of arthropods using 2,2-dimethoxypropane dehydration and epoxy resin embedding under vacuum.
Improved methods are described for anatomical investigation of small insects and other arthropods using serial semithin sections. The specimens were dehydrated with acidified 2,2-dimethoxypropane and embedded in ERL 4206 epoxy resin under vacuum. This procedure ensures good resin impregnation of thin, long body compartments and appendages. Furthermore, it produces excellent overall preservation of the specimen and its fragile anatomical structures. This procedure saves time and gives excellent results when sectioning difficult arthropod material. A continuous recording of serial semithin sections is possible when diamond knives are used.
Pernstich
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Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. alexander.pernstich@univie.ac.at
Krenn
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HW
Pass
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D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods; D003681:Dehydration; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008867:Microtomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009036:Moths / Q000166:cytology*; D016613:Plastic Embedding / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011145:Polyvinyls; D020005:Propanols; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D014618:Vacuum
D004853:Epoxy Resins; D011145:Polyvinyls; D020005:Propanols; C053660:ERL 4206; C017240:2,2-dimethoxypropane