Journal of Helminthology

Table of Contents - 2006 - Volume 80, Issue 01  

Cambridge Journals Online - CUP Full-Text Page

Research Note

Sodium dodecyl sulphate as a rapid clearing agent for studying the hard parts of monogeneans and nematodes

W.L. Wonga1, W.B. Tana1 and L.H.S. Lima1 c1



a1 Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Article author query

Wong WL [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]
Tan WB [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]
Lim LH [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]

Abstract

Hard structures of helminths have often been used for taxonomic identification but are usually not clearly defined when treated with conventional methods such as ammonium picrate-glycerin for monogeneans and glycerin for nematodes. The present study reports a rapid and simple technique to better resolve the hard parts of selected monogeneans and nematodes using 5–10% alkaline sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). In comparison with established methods, SDS-treated worms become more transparent. In monogeneans treated with SDS, clear details of the hooks, hook filaments, anchors, bars and the sclerotized copulatory organs could be observed. In SDS-treated nematodes, spicules and ornamentations of the buccal capsules could be clearly seen.

(Accepted August 01 2005)

Correspondence:

c1 Author for correspondence Fax: +603 7967 4178 E-mail: susan@um.edu.my