(776.4) Histological study of a low-cost embalming technique with preservation for nearly three years at room temperature

Poster Board Number: C16
Introduction: AAA has separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – 10:15 am – 11:15 am
Even poster #s – 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Telma Masuko (UFBA Federal Universituy of Bahia), Lucas Andrade (UFBA Federal Universituy of Bahia), Nicolás Ottone (Universidad de La Frontera), Carlos Baptista (University of Toledo), Mirna Barros (Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences)

Introduction The fixation of cadavers occurs when substances prevent tissue decomposition and is also called embalming. Various techniques for fixing and preserving cadavers, more or less sophisticated, have been described over the last few years. This work is the continuation of a research line on the fixation technique published in 2020 by Masuko amp; Andrade, that allows the fixation and conservation of a human cadaver at room temperature for a long period (more than two years) with characteristics and mobility similar to those of a fresh corpse. Materials and Method In this step we use a donated 14-years-old female cat, that was embalmed using a solution published by Masuko amp; Andrade, in 2020, with peristaltic pump [alcohol 1000ml; phenol 1000mg; glycerin 1000ml; sodium nitrate 1000mg; formaldehyde 2000ml; distilled water 14000ml]. Femoral arterial accesses and complementary injections of formaldehyde were performed in muscles limbs. The cat was maintained at room temperature, ranging from 19.7 to 34.8ºC (67.46–94.64ºF) and the humidity (37–97%) in body bag covered with blackout sheet, without any additional preservation method to mantain the animal. Samples of tissues (skin and subcutaneous tissue, muscle and colon) were collected after 1m175 days of embalming and submitted to histological staining (HE). Results This method resulted in a soft and flexible specimen with almost natural colors (Figs. 1, 2). Histological analysis indicated the preservation of tissue and cell structure in the different samples examined, even after 1,175 days of fixation. Epidermis and dermis structure identifiable and preserved, making it possible to visualize attachments such as hair follicles. In dermis, it is possible to identify blood vessels and the general structure of the unmodeled dense connective tissue; muscle tissue is well preserved, with the structure of muscle fibers identifiable both in the longitudinal and transversal sections; the colon presents the general structure of the tunics preserved. It is possible to identify mucosal villi, despite the poor clarity of the already altered lining epithelium, vessels in the submucosal conjunctiva and the smooth musculature of the tunica muscularis. Discussion The preservation technique presented in 2020 has low cost and easy execution, being effective in humans and now in animals, maintaining the morphological characteristics of the anatomical specimen for an extended period of time. Conclusion We present an alternative anatomical technique for teaching and research in anatomy centers that have to deal with the toxicity of fixation products and the costs of obtaining and maintaining anatomical specimens.





Fig1a and 1b - Demonstration of the cat pelvic limb joint flexibility after 1175 days post embalming; Fig2a. Aspect of thoracic organs; and Fig2b. Aspect of abbdominal organs