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Preserving the viscous coral surface mucus layer using low-acid glycol methacrylate (GMA) resin

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Abstract

The surface mucus layer (SML) is of critical importance in health, disease, and stress responses of corals; however, visualising the intact SML is challenging. Dehydration during histological preparation causes shrinkage and deformation of the mucus gel layer, while fragile, unattached mucus exudates are typically lost altogether. Here, we describe a novel technique using water-soluble glycol methacrylate resin embedding that more accurately preserves the in situ SML. Thickness of the preserved SML is similar to that previously measured on live corals using a glass microprobe. The technique allows microscopic visualisation of the SML structure, as well as thickness and continuity measurements, which are important indicators of SML function in health and disease.

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Acknowledgements

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest. This study was supported by grants from the Leverhulme Trust (F/00 125/S and the Natural Environment Research Council, UK (NE/E006949). We thank staff and students at the Phuket Marine Biological Center, Thailand, and the Heron Island Research Station, Australia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Centre for Coastal and Ocean Research and Development, Center for Maritime and Ocean Studies, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago

    Reia Guppy

  2. School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK

    Reia Guppy, Barbara Brown & John C. Bythell

  3. Environmental Research Unit, University of the Highlands and Islands, Thurso, Scotland, UK

    Barbara Brown

Authors
  1. Reia Guppy
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  2. Barbara Brown
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  3. John C. Bythell
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Correspondence to Reia Guppy.

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Guppy, R., Brown, B. & Bythell, J.C. Preserving the viscous coral surface mucus layer using low-acid glycol methacrylate (GMA) resin. Coral Reefs 38, 521–526 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-019-01791-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-019-01791-y

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