[Histonet] Invertebrate chitin shells

[Etheridge, Sandra AGF:EX]

Hello, everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has a current method for softening the chitin
outer shells of invertebrates to enable sectioning.  I know of methods for
keratin and decalcification, but have not come across anything for chitin
(which is a polysaccharide, I believe??).  We often receive parasites which
arrive with our large marine mammals and the pathologists like to section
them, too.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Sandra Etheridge
Animal Health Center, Histology
BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries
Abbotsford, BC
Canada