TABLE 3.

Comparison of Different Sample Fixations and Preparations¹

Preliminaries		1. Scan (in pure ethanol)			2. Scan (dried)
Fixative	Fixation quality	Exp. time (sec)	Contrast (nervous tissue)	Drying method	Exp. time (sec)	Contrast (nervous tissue)	Comments (artifacts affected by drying procedure)
2.5% Glutardialdehyde	−	1.5	Low	CPD	1.0	High	Disruption of retinal and parts of the central nervous system
70% Ethanol	+	1.0	Low	CPD	1.0	High	Slight shrinkage of nervous tissue and musculature
Bouin's solution	++	1.5	Medium	CPD	1.0	High	No obvious shrinkage or disruption
Bouin's solution	++	1.5	Medium	HMDS	1.0	High	Central nervous system disrupted and shrunken

¹All samples were stained using 1% iodine solution. −, overall appearance of nervous tissue is poor; +, overall appearance of nervous tissue is sufficient; ++, overall appearance of nervous system is suitable.

Abbreviations: CPD, critical point drying; HMDS, hexamethyldisilazane.