Critical Evaluation of Embedding Media for Histological Studies of Early Stages of Chick Embryo Development

Autor: Melyssa Kmecick, Mariliza Cristine Vieira da Costa, Eduardo da Costa Ferreira, Maritana Mela Prodocimo, Claudia Feijó Ortolani-Machado
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Methods and Protocols, Vol 6, Iss 2, p 38 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2409-9279
DOI: 10.3390/mps6020038
Popis: A histological examination is an important tool in embryology, developmental biology, and correlated areas. Despite the amount of information available about tissue embedding and different media, there is a lack of information regarding best practices for embryonic tissues. Embryonic tissues are considered fragile structures, usually small in size, and frequently challenging to position correctly in media for the subsequent histological steps. Here, we discuss the embedding media and procedures that provided us with appropriate preservation of tissue and easier orientation of embryos at early development. Fertilized Gallus gallus eggs were incubated for 72 h, collected, fixed, processed, and embedded with paraplast, polyethylene glycol (PEG), or historesin. These resins were compared by the precision of tissue orientation, the preview of the embryos in the blocks, microtomy, contrast in staining, preservation, average time, and cost. Paraplast and PEG did not allow correct embryo orientation, even with agar–gelatin pre-embedded samples. Additionally, structural maintenance was hindered and did not allow detailed morphological assessment, presenting tissue shrinkage and disruption. Historesin provided precise tissue orientation and excellent preservation of structures. Assessing the performance of the embedding media contributes significantly to future developmental research, optimizing the processing of embryo specimens and improving results.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals