Solution for demonstration of anatomical preparations

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.SUBSTANCE: applied in the field of normal and pathological human anatomy. A 1% aqueous solution of potassium sorbate is used as a means for demonstrating anatomical preparations.EFFECT: proposed solution is stable, does not evaporate, does not irritate the respiratory system or mucous membranes of the eyes, and has high antifungal activity.1 cl, 1 ex

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of medicine and can be used in the field of normal and pathological human anatomy, in particular, for storing macroscopic preparations in classrooms for the purpose of demonstrating them in practical classes, as well as creating museum anatomical specimens.

[0002] A 5% aqueous solution of formalin is known, which is the most common in anatomical practice (Pikalyuk VS, Moroz GA, Kutya SA. Methodological manual for the preparation of anatomical preparations. - Simferopol, 2004. - 76 p.).However, this preservative has a number of disadvantages: firstly, formalin weakly suppresses the vital activity of fungi, which reduces the shelf life of the solution; secondly, this solution is extremely unstable, since formalin is a volatile compound, due to which its concentration gradually decreases, and, as a consequence, its antifungal activity too; thirdly, under the influence of an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, the consistency and size of the preparation changes - they become hard and decrease in volume, lose their natural color (tissues acquire a grayish tint); fourthly, formalin has terato- and carcinogenic properties, as well as a pronounced toxic effect (irritates the skin and mucous membranes, has an unpleasant odor), which is one of the main reasons why its use in the educational process is questioned.

[0003] A known preservative for anatomical preparations consists of ethyl acetate (5%), benzoic acid (1%), zinc chloride (1%), ethylene glycol (20%), and water (73%) (RU Patent No. 2367155). This solution has several disadvantages: firstly, ethylene glycol, which is included in the composition to prevent dehydration, is highly toxic and volatility, just like formalin; secondly, ethylene glycol vapors irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, resulting in a toxic (irritating) effect; thirdly, ethyl acetate is also highly toxic and irritates the mucous membranes and skin; fourthly, a significant disadvantage of this solution is its complex, multi-component composition, which complicates its preparation and, consequently, its use.

[0004] The closest solution to the claimed invention in terms of its essential features is a 1-10% aqueous solution of sodium benzoate (RU Patent No. 2591982). However, this solution has a significant drawback: low antifungal activity. Salts of weak acids are known to be used as preservatives. The mechanism of action is believed to be based on the fact that undissociated forms of acids penetrate the cell membrane, where they dissociate under the influence of a higher pH, preventing them from re-entering the cell membrane. By dissociating into ions in the cell, salts lower the pH, which leads to disruption of enzymatic activity, imbalance of ion gradients, damage to intracellular molecules, and, ultimately, death. The pKa of benzoic acid is 4.2, which is why it almost completely dissociates into ions in an aqueous solution, reducing its effectiveness.The low antifungal activity is evidenced by the fact that in medicine, an aqueous solution of sodium benzoate is used for disinfection at very high concentrations. When treating conditions such as lung abscesses or purulent bronchitis, a 15% aqueous solution of sodium benzoate must be used. High concentrations result in a higher salt content in the solution and, consequently, significant costs.

[0005] The objective of the invention is to obtain a substance with high antimycotic activity, suitable for demonstrating anatomical preparations.

[0006] The technical result of the task is achieved by expanding the arsenal of means for demonstrating anatomical preparations through the use of a 1% aqueous solution of potassium sorbate.

[0007] Potassium sorbate at a concentration of 1% exhibits pronounced antifungal activity, which is explained by the fact that the strength of sorbic acid is 4.76. Consequently, in an aqueous solution, potassium sorbate contains more neutral molecules than sodium benzoate, which allows it to better penetrate fungal cell walls.

[0008] To address the stated objective and confirm the efficacy of potassium sorbate, the following study was conducted: a 1% aqueous solution of potassium sorbate was prepared, in which fixed specimens of porcine intercostal muscle were stored. Fixation was performed using the standard method: immersion in a 10% aqueous formalin solution for 24 hours. The specimens were then removed, rinsed under running water, and immersed in 96% alcohol for 4 hours to restore color. Afterward, the specimens were immersed in a 1% potassium sorbate solution and left uncovered for 3 months in a classroom where classes were regularly held. During the exposure period, the tissue specimens slightly increased in volume but retained their original consistency. There were no traces of mold contamination in the specimens.

[0009] The experiment revealed the following advantages of this solution. Firstly, no mold contamination occurred in the solution during the entire experiment, demonstrating its high antifungal activity. Secondly, during the exposure period, the tissue samples slightly increased in volume but retained their original consistency. A slight change in the organ's natural color was also noted. Therefore, the invention only slightly affects the volume and color of the samples.

[0010] The claimed solution is stable and does not evaporate, therefore it does not irritate the respiratory system or mucous membranes of the eyes. It has high antifungal activity. Potassium sorbate, according to GOST 12.1.007, belongs to hazard class 4, indicating low toxicity of this solution. The invention is colorless and odorless. Thanks to these advantages, this solution can be easily used in classrooms, making the learning process more comfortable for students and teachers. Finally, the low concentration of sorbate significantly reduces the cost of solution preparation, which is undoubtedly beneficial from a financial standpoint.