title: Use of freeze-cracking in ontogenetic research in Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomida, Rhabditophora).
abstract: A method for studying whole mount flatworm embryos based on freeze-cracking of the eggs is described. This method allows successful immunohistological and immunocytological studies of whole mount embryos. It does not require the use of sharpened needles or a microinjection system to puncture the eggshell. Moreover, this method is more practical and less time-consuming than classical puncturing and much cheaper than the use of a microinjection system. The advantages of this method are illustrated by results of several immunolocalisation experiments in the macrostomid flatworm Macrostomum lignano. The optimal procedure and crucial steps for this method are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Nematology Section, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium. maxime.willems@ugent.be
authors.forename: Maxime
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Willems
authors.forename: Mieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boone
authors.forename: Marjolein
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Couvreur
authors.forename: Katrien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: De Mulder
authors.forename: Jelka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Ranst
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Artois
authors.forename: Gaëtan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Borgonie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004626:Embryology / Q000379:methods; D005615:Freezing; D014419:Turbellaria / Q000196:embryology*