skeletochronology (Ambystomatidae)

Knowledge graph centered on skeletochronology (Ambystomatidae) with 18 nodes and 54 connections. Top connected: Ambystoma, Ambystoma tigrinum, Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosm, tiger salamander, Ambystoma mavortium.

Method synopsis

Standard skeletochronology protocol involving tissue fixation, decalcification, cryostat sectioning, histological staining, and LAG counting to determine age in amphibians.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Accuracy assessment of skeletochronology in the Arizona tiger salamander (<i>Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum</i>) (2007), Copeia. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Collect tissue samples
   The fourth toe on the right rear foot was excised from each individual and stored in 70% ethanol for transport and preservation.
   Quantities: One toe per individual from 37 salamandersDuration: Single collection eventConditions: Field collection during summer 2003
   Equipment: 70% ethanol for storage
2. Transport and prepare samples
   Toes were transported to Murray State University laboratory, rinsed in de-ionized water, and then decalcified in 3% nitric acid prior to sectioning.
   Quantities: 37 toe samples processedDuration: Not specifiedConditions: Laboratory conditions at Murray State University
   Equipment: de-ionized water, 3% nitric acid
3. Section tissues
   A cryostat (HM 505 E) was used to section the toes at 20 μm thickness for histological analysis.
   Quantities: 20 μm thick sectionsDuration: Not specifiedConditions: Laboratory sectioning
   Equipment: cryostat (HM 505 E)

Typical Equipment

• 70% ethanol
• 3% nitric acid
• cryostat (HM 505 E)
• Harris' haematoxylin stain
• phase-contrast microscope

Output Measurements

• estimated age in years
• LAG count

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol