ABSTRACT
A simple technique for recording the EKG of the posterior lymphatic hearts of the toad Bufo arenarum (Hensel) in free moving unanesthetized specimens is described. This technique permits long term chronic recordings in varied physiological and behavioral conditions whereas it overcomes some of the technical difficulties encountered in obtaining reliable recordings.
Subject(s)
Animals , Bufo arenarum , Electrocardiography , Heart/physiology , Organ Culture Techniques , Lymphatic System/physiologyABSTRACT
A simple technique for recording the EKG of the posterior lymphatic hearts of the toad Bufo arenarum (Hensel) in free moving unanesthetized specimens is described. This technique permits long term chronic recordings in varied physiological and behavioral conditions whereas it overcomes some of the technical difficulties encountered in obtaining reliable recordings.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Bufo arenarum/physiology , Electrocardiography/methods , Heart/physiology , Lymphatic System/physiology , Organ Culture TechniquesABSTRACT
This paper reports the standardization of methods used for processing and embedding various vertebrate brains of different size in paraffin. Other technical details developed for avoiding frequent difficulties arising during laboratory routine are also reported. Some modifications of the Nissl and Klüver-Barrera staining methods are proposed. These modifications include: 1) a Nissl stain solution with a rapid and efficient action with easier differentiation; 2) the use of a cheap microwave oven for the Klüver-Barrera stain. These procedures have the advantage of permitting Nissl and Klüver-Barrera staining of nervous tissue in about five and fifteen minutes respectively. The proposed procedures have been tested in brains obtained from fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals of different body sizes. They are the result of our long experience in preparing slides for comparative studies. Serial sections of excellent quality were regularly obtained in all the specimens studied. These standardized methods, being simple and quick, are recommended for routine use in neurobiological laboratories.
Subject(s)
Animals , Central Nervous System , Staining and Labeling/standards , Tissue Fixation/standards , Tissue Embedding/standards , Vertebrates , Staining and Labeling/methods , Coloring Agents , Tissue Fixation/methods , Tissue Embedding/methods , Microtomy , Specimen HandlingABSTRACT
This paper reports the standardization of methods used for processing and embedding various vertebrate brains of different size in paraffin. Other technical details developed for avoiding frequent difficulties arising during laboratory routine are also reported. Some modifications of the Nissl and Kl³ver-Barrera staining methods are proposed. These modifications include: 1) a Nissl stain solution with a rapid and efficient action with easier differentiation; 2) the use of a cheap microwave oven for the Kl³ver-Barrera stain. These procedures have the advantage of permitting Nissl and Kl³ver-Barrera staining of nervous tissue in about five and fifteen minutes respectively. The proposed procedures have been tested in brains obtained from fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals of different body sizes. They are the result of our long experience in preparing slides for comparative studies. Serial sections of excellent quality were regularly obtained in all the specimens studied. These standardized methods, being simple and quick, are recommended for routine use in neurobiological laboratories.(AU)
