[Histonet] Sectioning chitin

[Etheridge, Sandra AGF:EX]

Hello, everyone,

Does anyone know how to soften chitin (the polysaccharide hard shell of many
invertebrates) for sectioning?  I know of methods for keratin and
decalcification, but have not come across any for chitin.  We often receive
the parasites collected with our deceased, large marine mammals, and the
pathologists want sections of them as well.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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