Frozen sections of arthropods for histological studies and fluorescent antibody investigations

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Abstract

A method for the rapid sectioning of arthropods is described whereby specimens are quick-frozen in gelatin and sectioned in a freezing cabinet at −15 °C. Sections in which the internal anatomical structures were excellently preserved could be prepared regularly from the nymphal and adult ticks, Dermacentor andersoni, Ornithodoros moubata and O. parkeri, and from the cone-nosed bug, Rhodnius prolixus.

The usefulness of this frozen section technique was demonstrated or suggested for, (a) histological studies on the relationship of organ systems, (b) localization of parasites and disease agents by means of conventional stains, and (c) fluorescent antibody studies on the development and behavior of disease agents in ticks and other arthropods. By employing conventional stains Trypanosoma rangeli has been localized in the salivary glands of the arthropod host and by fluorescent antibody methods Rickettsia rickettsii was demonstrated successfully in frozen sections prepared from whole ticks.

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Cited by (4)

  • Insect Histology: Practical Laboratory Techniques

    2014, Insect Histology: Practical Laboratory Techniques
1

Laboratory of Immunology, Bethesda, Maryland.

2

Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamilton, Montana.

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