Light and Scanning Electron Microscopical Analysis and Statistical Monitoring of the Elnady Plastinated Dromedary Camel Tongue and Skin

There are many recent techniques used for the preservation of animal specimens, such as plastination by the Elnady technique, which is the most cost-effective approach. However, neither the computation of the shrinkage percentage in each phase nor its possible application in histology has received enough scientific investigation. This study utilized tongue and skin samples from six one-humped camels. That were weighed at various stages: before, during, and after the plastination process. The shrinkage percentages are calculated at each stage. Additionally, the samples were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared with non-plastinated specimens. By the end of the plastination process, the tongue experienced a shrinkage of about 19.87%, while the skin exhibited a shrinkage of 28.77%. The plastinated tissues did not obstruct histological examination. Both light and electron microscopy analyses revealed structural differences between the plastinated and non-plastinated samples, which were attributed to shrinkage. Plastinated tissues proved effective for histological analysis, maintaining cellular structure despite some shrinkage. These findings suggest that plastination can be a reliable method for preserving tissue integrity while providing valuable insights for educational and research purposes.