97-11 Sat Jan 2 Using diceCT to quantify in situ olfactory rosette morphology among elasmobranchs Clark, AE*; Meredith, TL; Porter, ME; Florida Atlantic University; Florida Atlantic University ; Florida Atlantic University clarka2014@fau.edu
Although the general morphology of the olfactory system in elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) is structurally similar among species, there is variation in the shape and structure of the paired olfactory rosettes. Previous studies on the morphology of olfactory rosettes, which are composed of soft tissue that is situated within a rigid cartilaginous capsule in the cranium, involved the dissection of the organs from the cranium. A limitation of this method is that the organs do not retain their natural positioning and shape because they lose the structure that is provided by the capsule. The goal of this study was to provide quantification of in situ rosette morphology through diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT), which uses Lugol’s iodine as a contrast agent. Fresh whole-head specimens from order Carcharhiniformes were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, then placed into 5% Lugol’s iodine solution for several days. Scans were performed using a Bruker SkyScan 1173 and 3D reconstructions were made using Bruker NRecon and CTVox software. Rosette length and width, fineness ratio (a 2D representation of shape), and capsule volume were measured using CTAn software. Rosettes were clearly visible after being stained for five days in Lugol’s solution. Using Welch’s t-test, we found that fineness ratios measured on the dissected organs were not significantly different than those obtained in situ. Volume measurements taken in situ were also not significantly different than the values from dissected organs. The data collected from this study can be used to create 3D models to examine the effects of capsule and rosette shape on water flow throughout the elasmobranch olfactory system.