[Cnidaria] whole mount slide preparation protocols

[Charles Kristesnsen]

Hi,

 

We have not tried Glycergel, but we have been using a modification of
something described for preserving algae on the Smithsonian's web site.

 

1.       Fix

2.       Place in 5% glycerin with preservative (>20X final volume)

3.       Allow to dry (slowly)

 

You can also dehydrate in gradual steps, so you do not have start
dehydrations of large specimens in large barrels.

 

The dehydration should be done very slowly to prevent shrinkage and
distortion of the specimens since glycerin will permeate tissues at a much
slower rate than water can be drawn out. The time required depends on the
type and size of specimen.

 

I prefer to mount these in glycerin gelatin or algal gels (make aqueous gel,
mix warm with glycerin, then dehydrate in pan at 50C).

 

You can also this or similar procedures to preserve larger specimens, which
can be displayed whole or partially dissected. They're good for years and
may be an acceptable alternative to plastinated specimens in some cases.

 

BTW: The final gels are safe to handle and kids love to play with them.
We've prepared several for hands-on displays at museums.

 

Best,

Chuck

 

Spider Pharm

PO Box 1090

Yarnell, AZ 85362

http://www.spiderpharm.com

spiderpharm at hotmail.com

928-427-6589

 

From: cnidaria-bounces at uci.edu [mailto:cnidaria-bounces at uci.edu] On Behalf
Of Lisa-ann Gershwin
Sent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 9:52 PM
To: Cnidaria Newsgroup
Subject: Re: [Cnidaria] whole mount slide preparation protocols

 

Yeah, Glycergel -- it's magic!

Step 1. Warm Glycergel in a mug of hot water. 
Step 2. Put the wet live or formalin-fixed critter on the slide, add a drop
or two of Glycergel (one if you will be pressing down, two if not), cover
with coverslip, let dry. Voila. 

They will do much better over the long term if preserved, but will still
look pretty good over the short term if mounted live. 

It's made by Dako. 

Cheers, Lisa



At 04:01 AM 29/04/2009, you wrote:



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Hi folks! 

I am hoping to create some permanent whole mount slides of ephyrae to serve
as training tools for those new to jelly culture and identification.  Does
anyone out there have some established and effective techniques or protocols
for such an endeavor?  Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.

regards, 
Michael 

Michael Howard 
Husbandry Division 
Monterey Bay Aquarium 
_______________________________________________
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===============================================================
Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin
Director, Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services
Email: lisa.gershwin at stingeradvisor.com.au
Mob: +61 (0)438 105 358

Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services
ABN 94 698 104 687
Post Office Box 5559
TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 
www.stingeradvisor.com.au <http://www.stingeradvisor.com.au/> 

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