Chapter 11
Insecta (Orthoptera)
There have not been many attempts made to culture orthopteran cells.
However, long-term primary cultures of orthopteran cells are possible,
and several cell lines have been established from grasshopper cell cultures (Tsang et aI., 1981). Usually, cockroach media, or a modification of
these media, are used, and it has been said that a high Na+/K+ ratio in the
medium is important to grow orthopteran cells (Quiot, 1971).
Subprotocol 1
Dorsal Vessels
The dorsal vessels of several species have been cultured. The following
procedure is based on the methods of Va go et al. (1968).
Materials
- Dissecting microscope
- Dissecting tray (see chapter I, section 3 "Tools")
- Scissors
- Forceps
- Needles
- Culture vessels
- Pasteur pipettes
- Culture medium
- Physiological solution
- Ethyl ether
- Nymphs or adult grasshoppers
Procedure
1. Anesthetize the insects with ethyl ether.
1. Fix the insects in a dissecting tray, ventral side up.
2. Surface sterilize the insects with 95% ethanol.
3. Rinse the insects with sterile distilled water.
PROTOCOL
Equipment
Solutions
Chemicals
Animals
Anesthesia
Sterilization