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Three‐dimensional organization of biological tissues: A new method for investigation using scanning electron microscopy
Author(s) -
Kolpakov Valeri,
Rekhter Mark,
Mironov Alexander
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.1070290109
Subject(s) - fixative , scanning electron microscope , fixation (population genetics) , phase contrast microscopy , microscopy , biomedical engineering , electron microscope , chemistry , biophysics , differential interference contrast microscopy , materials science , pathology , biology , biochemistry , optics , medicine , physics , cytoplasm , composite material , gene
A new method is described which enables the visualization of hidden cellular surfaces of biological tissues. The method does not depend on the kind of fixative solution, the duration of the fixation, or the quantity of extracellular matrix. The samples are chemically dissociated with potassium ethoxide until the first individual cells appear in the solution. This initial process is followed by phase contrast microscopy, and remaining tissue is investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The method has proved more effective than conventional enzymatic techniques and is a simple, quick, and effective way to investigate the three‐dimensional organization of different normal and pathological tissues. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.