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A simplified method of preparation of mammalian intestine samples for scanning electron microscopy
Author(s) -
Skrzypek Tomasz H.,
Kazimierczak Waldemar
Publication year - 2018
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.23141
Subject(s) - fixative , scanning electron microscope , small intestine , biomedical engineering , process (computing) , electron microscope , sample preparation , biology , sampling (signal processing) , pathology , computer science , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , materials science , chromatography , biochemistry , medicine , optics , physics , filter (signal processing) , cytoplasm , composite material , computer vision , operating system
Due to strong tissue hydration and complex architecture of the mucous membrane, appropriate preparation of inhomogeneous gastrointestinal tissues, especially from the intestine, for scanning electron microscopy is still a challenge and requires constant improvement of preparation techniques. In this article, we describe a simplified method of preparation of small intestinal mucosa tissues for observations in a scanning electron microscope. We emphasized the most important points in the preparation process that, when ignored, may result in formation of numerous artifacts and the inability to analyze the samples reliably. The developed technique facilitates proper animal tissue sampling in the field conditions, reducing the time of tissue collection and sample preparation as well as the total process costs. The fixative of choice, that is, buffered formalin, fixes, and stiffens the processed tissues properly, which is especially important in preservation of long, highly hydrated intestinal villi without shrinkage artifacts. The method described has been successfully used in comparative studies of the development of small intestines in mammals (pigs, mice, rats), reptiles, and birds (hens).