mu CT scanning-a novel method for in vivo 3D characterization of zooplankton propagules

作者：Pinceel Tom^*; Wynants Enya; Tonne Nathalie; Brendonck Luc; Vanschoenwinkel Bram

来源：Limnology and Oceanography: Methods , 2016, 14(11): 759-766.

DOI：10.1002/lom3.10136

Many zooplankton species produce dormant stages to bridge episodes that are unfavorable for juveniles and adults. Although a variety of methods has been used to study the morphology and internal structure of these propagules, surprisingly little is known about links between propagule traits and life history characteristics such as dormancy, hatching behavior and fitness of emerging larvae. A major constraint is that most available methods are lethal to the embryo and processing can generate visual artefacts. Here, we investigate the potential of High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (HRXCT or mu CT scanning) to compile whole mount 3D reconstructions of the propagules of three zooplankton species that differ in size (similar to 200-1200 mu m) and shape (spherical eggs vs. semi-circular ephippia). Our results show that mu CT scanning is a suitable technique for whole mount reconstruction of propagules. In addition, by combining the scanning procedure with a laboratory hatching experiment we showed that while eggs that were exposed to mu CT scanning had significantly lower hatching fractions and lower motility of hatchlings than control eggs, some of the scanned eggs or larvae could still be used in subsequent life table experiments. Overall, mu CT scanning represents a valuable, non-invasive technique for internal and external characterization of zooplankton propagules and to study associations between propagule structure and life history traits.

• 出版日期2016-11