[Coral-List] request for samples of diseased sponges

Kathy Price Kathy.Price at noaa.gov
Thu Aug 4 08:30:56 EDT 2005


Dear Coral-Listers, Doug, and Thierry -

The "2 x volume fixative to tissue" is a bit on the skimpy side.  To 
adequately fix the tissue, a 10:1 ratio of fixative:tissue is often 
recommended, with some histology texts (Humason's Animal Tissue 
Techniques) even suggesting as much as 20:1.    After fixation has 
occurred (48 hours in this fixative), the specimens can be removed and 
packaged for shipping.  Without having the benefit of Thierry's 
experience (and since we can't reach him in the field), I'd go with the 
higher volume fixative:tissue ratio just to be on the safe side.

Will provide more detailed explanations as to why if anyone is interested.

Ciao,  Kathy Price


Douglas Fenner wrote:

>A disease histologist, Thierry Work, would like to ask for samples of diseased sponges from the Caribbean.  He will be in the field for 2 weeks, so he's asked me to post instructions for preserving samples.  Please respond to him at the e-mail address at the end of this message instead of replying to this message, and remember he won't be able to read them for 2 weeks.  You'll need to contact him to get his address in Hawaii.  Thank you!  -Doug Fenner
>
>Sponges should be collected in 15% buffered formalin fixative.  This can be most easily made by mixing 15 parts of concentrated (37%) formaldehyde with 85 parts seawater (NOT freshwater).  A small section (~thumb size) containing both lesion and non lesion tissue (this is important) should be collected fresh and placed immediately in fixative with about 2 x volume fixative to tissue.  Sample can be stored in cool place (NOT frozen) or in shade until ready for shipping.  We can then use these samples to examine cellular structure and try and figure out what is killing the sponges.  If shipping, it is best to drain formalin from jar and replace with formalin soaked paper towels, and sealing and double bagging jar.  Samples should be accompanied by following info: Date of collection, location, species.  I would ask to be in email contact with folks doing collection so shipping can be coordinated.
>
>Thierry M. Work
>thierry_work at usgs.gov
>
>(a suggestion from Doug- a plastic bottle with tight fitting lid would be better than a glass bottle for shipping, as it will not break so easily.)
>
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