Preparation of nematodes for microscopic study—perfusion by vapor phase in killing and fixing

A. R. Maggenti, D. R. Viglierchio
1965 Hilgardia  
Procedures for immobilizing or killing and fixing nematodes preparatory to subsequent embedding and mounting procedures are discussed in detail. Techniques presented are offered as alternatives to the usual practice of heat killing. The use of common laboratory gases for immobilization of nematodes to be used in studies other than permanent mounts is discussed. Inadvisability of subjecting immobilized rather than dead nematodes to further procedures designed for permanent mounting is thoroughly
more » ... documented. Superior specimens are obtained employing vapor-phase perfusion by formalin in combination with water, acetic acid, formic acid, propionic acid or hydrochloric acid for killing, rather than by using heat. The necessity of fixation subsequent to killing is discussed. The reactions of nematodes manifested by changes of morphologic features as a result of gas immobilization, vapor-phase perfusion or heat, before and after processing into glycerin, are thoroughly documented in tabular form. The final analysis lists sixty procedures found successful for processing nematodes into glycerin.
doi:10.3733/hilg.v36n12p435 fatcat:z6uklsl7hjh7zde7nkarjyo3km