TITLE:
Implementation of a New Solution for the Preservation of Anatomical Specimens Made of Non-Toxic Substances
AUTHORS:
Ma Reyes Pichardo-Molinero, Samantha Jardon-Xicotencatl, Misael R. Oliver-González, Carlos G. García-Tovar
KEYWORDS:
Veterinary Anatomy, Heart, Preservation Techniques, Alcohol Propylene Glycol Technique, Fixation, Necropsy, Toxic Chemicals
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: The preservation of anatomical pieces in Veterinary Anatomy is essential since it is not possible to dissect all domestic species. Most techniques use reagents with high levels of toxicity such as formaldehyde. The objective of this work was to develop a new preservation technique that uses reagents with zero toxicity and that allows obtaining preserved pieces suitable for anatomical studies. The alcohol propylene glycol technique was developed, the method of which uses a fixation step with alcohol, sodium chloride, commercial vinegar and subsequently the impregnation of the preservation solution made from propylene glycol and commercial vinegar, which are non-toxic. As a result of this work, adequately preserved sheep hearts were obtained that preserved their morphology with slight changes in size and weight, which did not affect their external and internal anatomical structure. Its coloration was not substantially affected, remaining a little lighter. The pieces obtained showed flexibility which allowed dissections to be carried out. The time to develop the technique was 20 days. A comparative study was carried out with the phenolated glycerin technique that uses toxic reagents (formaldehyde and phenol) and the pieces obtained with the alcohol propylene glycol technique were of better quality, observing that the pieces with phenolated glycerin tend to darken and are more rigid. And the time to develop the technique is 24 days. In conclusion, a preservation technique for anatomical pieces was developed that allowed the preservation of the organs under study, which allow their use for anatomical studies, and which have been preserved without changes until the time of this publication (8 months) and there are pieces preserved with this technique for 2 years.