Abstract
The embalming of a cadaver to study anatomy in humans, animals, and for expositions in biological museums is classically performed by formaldehyde injection. Despite its efficiency and wide application, this method delivers technical problems and high toxicity. Through an experimental model with Wistar rats previously embalmed in formalin, we developed two converting solutions (G1 and G2) to perform a macroscopic and qualitative analysis of the embalming maintenance, the color, the fungus proliferation, the pliability, and the post-conversion dissection of the specimens. This work aims to present the results of this experiment and discuss the data. After 365 days of the experiment, both solutions showed benefits in terms of reduction of toxicity, the use of a single solution to convert, storage without the need for containers with embalming solution, containment of fungus proliferation, and improvement of the color of the organs. Although these are the initial results without full achievement, we consider the G1 solution a suitable and advantageous alternative for the museology area.
Highlights
In the contexts of health colleges and biological museums, the use of human and animal cadavers occurs as a tool for education as well as to inspire future generations
Most of the human anatomy laboratories in Brazil inject a formalin solution in 10% to embalm cadavers and keep them immersed in the same solution for maintenance
Twelve male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with a mean age of 600 days and a mean weight of 320g were obtained from the animal colony of the Centro de Ciencias da Saude – UFES
Summary
In the contexts of health colleges and biological museums, the use of human and animal cadavers occurs as a tool for education as well as to inspire future generations. Most of the human anatomy laboratories in Brazil inject a formalin solution in 10% to embalm cadavers and keep them immersed in the same solution for maintenance. Such procedures allow to avoid microbial proliferation, decomposition, and its efficiency is vastly recognized and long-lasting. This routine results in an unhealthy environment for professionals and students (Rodrigues et al, 2010) due to the high toxicity and degree of carcinogenesis of formaldehyde(International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2006). The harmful effects are related to the concentration and the exposure time, eye irritations, mucosal irritations, and skin lesions occur with a simple contact with the substance (Lorenzoni et al, 2017; Tamayo-Arango & Garzón-Alzate, 2018)
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