An improved double embedding technique for the microscopic evaluation of honey bees

Scudamore, C.L., MacMillan, I. and Carr, J. (2012) An improved double embedding technique for the microscopic evaluation of honey bees. Journal of Apicultural Research, 51(4), pp. 365-366. (doi: 10.3896/IBRA.1.51.4.13)

Abstract

The microscopic analysis of tissue sections is a routinely used tool in the study of the pathology of mammalian disease. This approach is more rarely used in the investigation of insect diseases, in part due to a lack of familiarity with the normal microscopic anatomy. Historically, honey bee anatomy has been systematically documented in line drawings (e.g. Snodgrass, 1956) but there are a lack of corresponding comprehensive photographic images of microscopic anatomy. As part of a project to produce an atlas of honey bee histology, the techniques involved in producing microscopic tissue sections were investigated. In order to make the technique as practical as possible, honey bees were initially collected by simple immersion into the most commonly used histological fixative, 10% neutral buffered formalin.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: MacMillan, Mr Iain
• Authors: Scudamore, C.L., MacMillan, I., and Carr, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Apicultural Research
• ISSN: 2078-6913
• Published Online: 01 October 2012