Methods in Anopheles Research - MR4

Chapter 6 : Dissection Techniques6.1 General Dissection BuffersPage 1 of 2Chapter 6 : Dissection Techniques6.1 General Dissection BuffersMarc KlowdenBackgroundWhen dissecting mosquitoes for examination or for studying the functions of their isolated tissues, aphysiological saline should be used to prevent them from drying out and to maintain these tissues in areasonably normal state. These solutions will ideally mimic the composition of hemolymph. However,because insect hemolymph can often vary considerably during the life cycle in response to feeding andreproduction, insect tissues generally show a wide tolerance to variations in composition, and the salinesolutions that have been formulated are sufficiently generic to enable them to be used for most species.Saline solutions suitable for dissection(Hayes 1953)Component g/lNaCl 9.0CaCl 2 0.2KCl 0.2NaHCO 3 0.1(Ephrussi and Beadle 1936)Component g/lNaCl 7.5KCl 0.35CaCl 2 0.21Saline solutions suitable for long-term tissue survival:(Beyenbach and Masia 2002). Used for adult Malpighian tubules.Component g/lNaCl 8.76KCl 0.25CaCl 2 0.19MgCl 2 0.09Hepes 5.96Glucose 0.90NaHCO 3 0.15Adjust to pH 7 with 1M NaOH