Corrosion cast model and histological examination of the vascular system of the common stingray (Dasyatıs pastinaca) from the Black Sea

Published data in scientific literature on the anatomy and biology of common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) in the Black Sea are limited. The aim of the present study was to describe the most common variations in the main blood vessels that are important for respiration and reproduction of this species. For this purpose, 6 stingrays (3 males and 3 females) with an average body weight of 2533±174 g were obtained from a sea pound trap near the town of Varna, Bulgaria. After that, fish were sacrificed and the blood vessels were filled through the heart with self-curing castable resin Duracryl® Plus O. In addition, materials from blood vessels for histopathology examination were taken and fixed in 10% neutral formalin solution. Based on the corrosion cast and histological techniques, we described the structure and the interrelationships of the vascular pathways. It can be concluded that this study contributes to a description of the cardiovascular system of common stingray, which could be used to extend the existing information and contribute to the needs in the various field of biomedical engineerin