Anatomical evaluation and preparation procedure of a cross-sectioned kidney plastination of a thoroughbred horse with local polyester resin

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a protocol for the thin section plastination of the kidney with local polyester resin and examine the anatomical details of this specimen. The sample was fixed with 10% formalin fixation solution and then sectioned into 3 mm slices. The four stages of the polyester plastination technique were used. Firstly, the samples were kept in 99.5% acetone baths at -25ºC for the dehydration. After this process, the sections were placed in polyester resin and the impregnation process was started at room temperature (20ºC) under vacuum. Following the forced impregnation, the curing chambers were constructed and the curing process was continued under ultraviolet light. The data of each applied stage were recorded carefully and the protocol for polyester plastination of kidney sections was successfully established. The specimens were observed from a different point of view with a thin cross-sectional appearance. The anatomical morphology and the structures of the sections of the kidney such as renal parenchyma and circulatory components were preserved well. The final products could be used as educational samples for cross-sectional anatomical training of kidneys.