Comparative anatomical and histological study of plastinated and non-plastinated organs of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

       Formalin, commonly used as an embalming fluid for tissue preservation, poses significant risks to the public health of humans and animals. The present study aims to focus on the Elnady plastination method for tissue preservation and examines the macro and microscopic changes in two organs before and after the plastination. Spleen and testis samples from six one-humped camels were used in this study. Plastination process included formalin fixation, acetone dehydration, glycerin impregnation, and cornstarch curing. The gross morphological changes and weights of the spleen and testis were measured after each treatment phase. The spleen turned dark brown color after the glycerin phase, while the testicular capsule became more transparent. Shrinkage was noted as 23.16% in the spleen and 31.57% in the testis. Both light and transmission electron microscopical (TEM) results confirmed the shrinkage, especially in the collagen fibers, that showed reduction in their amount and formation of spaces between the cells in both the spleen and testis.