PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Microscopy, Electron, Scanning”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Human cumulus cell complexes studied in vitro by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Various researchers describe the morphology of cumulus cells (CC) in vitro, but few have investigated their behaviour on plastic. Knowledge concerning the behaviour of human CC could be useful in improving the success of in vitro fertilisation procedures. This study aimed to describe the morphology and behaviour of CC in vitro and to investigate movement on a collagen-coated substrate. Following collection some cumulus were mechanically dissected from those surrounding the oocyte. Cumulus aggregates were cultured over 24 h using Earle's medium supplemented with 8% albumin. Substrata were plastic coverslips coated with collagens I, IV, or mixed collagens. Cumulus cultured over corresponding time periods on uncoated coverslips served as controls. Specimens were fixed and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Over 24 h the controls began exhibiting the morphological features associated with cell movement: cell surface protrusions changed from blebs to microridges, lamellipodia and leading lamellae; cell shape altered from rounded and upright, to flattened. Extracellular matrix (ECM) transformed from a thick, sheet-like substance to a thin, fibrous material. By 24 h, cells contacting ECM remained rounded showing few features of movement. Collagens enhanced attachment of CC as a monolayer on the substrate. Cell morphology varied according to the collagen type used. On mixed collagens, cells attached rapidly, appearing to be predominantly non-motile. On collagen type I there was less attachment of cells but increased motility. On collagen type IV there was decreased attachment and the cells remained spherical. In conclusion, collagens enhance the settling of cumulus cells on a plastic substrate and the cells exhibit some specificity in attaching to collagens.

Adult↗

A history of scanning electron microscopy developments: towards "wet-STEM" imaging.

A recently developed imaging mode called "wet-STEM" and new developments in environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) allows the observation of nano-objects suspended in a liquid phase, with a few manometers resolution and a good signal to noise ratio. The idea behind this technique is simply to perform STEM-in-SEM, that is SEM in transmission mode, in an environmental SEM. The purpose of the present contribution is to highlight the main advances that contributed to development of the wet-STEM technique. Although simple in principle, the wet-STEM imaging mode would have been limited before high brightness electron sources became available, and needed some progresses and improvements in ESEM. This new technique extends the scope of SEM as a high-resolution microscope, relatively cheap and widely available imaging tool, for a wider variety of samples.

Equipment Design↗

Scanning electron microscopy of cyclophosphamide-induced hyperplasia of the rat urinary bladder.

Urinary bladder damage caused by cyclophosphamide in male F344 rats was studied by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and autoradiography. Cyclophosphamide was injected intraperitoneally at doses of 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200 mg. per kg. of body weight, and rats were killed at several intervals following treatment. Extensive necrosis of the bladder was followed by regenerative hyperplasia of the epithelium. A dose response was evident in the number and size of lesions induced and the time of regeneration and repair. Scanning electron microscopy disclosed pleomorphic microvilli on the luminal surface of cells during the early phases of hyperplasia. The greatest number of cells with pleomorphic microvilli occurred 2, 5 and 7 to 8 days following injection of 75, 100, and 200 mg. per kg. of cyclophosphamide, respectively. The hyperplastic lesions also had cells with short, uniform microvilli and ropy or leafy microridges on their surfaces. Autoradiographs of the urinary bladders showed marked labeling of epithelial cells in the early phase of hyperplasia. Of the few rats surviving beyond 1 year after a single injection, none had bladder lesions at any of the dose levels. The changes in the epithelium observed by scanning electron microscopy following cyclophosphamide injection were compared to those observed during bladder carcinogenesis.

Animals↗

One to one correlation of histological and histochemical light microscopy with scanning electron microscopy.

Several histological stains were applied to specimens after scanning electron microscopic (SEM) processing. Histochemical stains were applied before SEM fixation. After staining, the specimens were processed and dried by SEM techniques. The specimens were taped to a microslide, specimen side up, scribed and covered with immersion oil. After light micrography (LM), the oil was removed and the specimens mounted and gold coated. The same cells were then relocated and photographed by SEM. Periodic acid Schiff was not usable as a specific tissue aldehyde stain, but did prove to be a useful counterstain for dehydrogenase stained specimens. Colloidal iron, as seen by SEM, resulted in a non-specific granular deposit over the specimen and the substrate. All the other histological stains examined--alcian blue, Grams, Feulgen and toluidine blue--were specific and did not change the specimen ultrastructure. The histochemical stains--acid and alkaline phosphatase and three dehydrogenases--were also specific. There were some minor ultrastructural changes with the AcPase and AlPase stains. However, the tissue surface was not significantly distorted. These and other techniques should prove to be a useful adjunct to SEM studies.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Comparative analysis of the proliferative response of the rat urinary bladder to sodium saccharin by light and scanning electron microscopy and autoradiography.

Three methods used to detect proliferative changes in the rat urothelium, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and autoradiography, were compared for their sensitivity in detecting changes produced by administration of sodium saccharin. Weanling male F344 rats were fed sodium saccharin as 0, 3, 5, or 7.5% of the diet, and the bladders were evaluated after 4, 7, and 10 wks of feeding. Light microscopic changes and an increase in labeling index were seen at all time points in rats fed 7.5% sodium saccharin, but not at the lower doses. A slight increase in labeling index was also observed at 10 wks in the 5.0% group. Scanning electron microscopic changes were evident as early as 4 wks with increasing severity at the 3, 5, and 7.5% doses. This study demonstrates that the hyperplastic response of the urothelium to sodium saccharin administration varies with dose and time, and that observation by scanning electron microscopy is the most sensitive of the three methods evaluated for detecting these changes.

Animals↗

High resolution scanning electron microscopy of the human organ of Corti. A study using freshly fixed surgical specimens.

Scanning electron microscopy on immediately fixed human cochleae obtained during surgery for life-threatening petro-clival meningioma showed excellently preserved morphology. We compared the morphological findings with those from transmission electron microscopic sections of well preserved human and animal tissue. The characteristics of neural innervation, the pathways of the nerves through the organ of Corti and the intimate relation of nerves to supporting cells along their route could be studied in detail. The lateral membranes of Hensen and Claudius cells were folded creating a surface enlargement. Marginal pillars extended the distal end of the tectorial membrane and correspond to the marginal net or "randfasernetz" described earlier. Stereocilia imprints at the undersurface of the tectorial membrane go as far as to the distal end of the marginal pillars. The presence of an irregularly distributed fourth row of outer hair cell, attached to the marginal pillars, raises questions about differences in the excitation of the last row of outer hair cells. The complex nature of many supporting cells, stria vascularis and Reissner's membrane, intracellular complexities as well as surface features are described. Supernumerary inner hair cells were observed and the different arrangement of outer spiral fibres in contrast to findings in animals and variations of nerve fibres within the organ of Corti between apex and base are discussed.

Animals↗

Effects of acetone, methanol, or paraformaldehyde on cellular structure, visualized by reflection contrast microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy.

The authors recently showed variable subcellular immunoreactivity of the Bcl-2 and Bax proteins after fixation of cell monolayers with acetone, methanol, or paraformaldehyde (PF) followed by methanol (PF/methanol). Here, the authors demonstrate by reflection contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy that acetone or methanol fixation result in complete loss of integrity of intracellular structures in contrast with PF or glutaraldehyde fixation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed poor preservation of plasma membrane integrity after fixation in acetone or methanol. Fixation with PF before methanol reduced damage to intracellular and plasma membranes. In addition, Western blot analysis demonstrated loss of Bcl-2 and Bax protein during acetone or methanol fixation, whereas PF fixation before methanol permeabilization markedly reduced this loss. For studies on the intracellular localization of soluble or unknown types of antigen, the authors discourage the use of acetone and methanol as single fixatives.

Acetone↗

Visualization of the funis of Giardia lamblia by high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy--new insights.

Giardia lamblia is a multiflagellar parasite and one of the earliest diverging eukaryotic cells. It possesses a cytoskeleton made of several microtubular structures-an adhesive disc, four pairs of flagella, median body, and funis. This protozoan displays different types of movements, including a lateral and dorso-ventral dislocation of its posterior region, which has not been completely elucidated. In the present study, high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the funis structure of G. lamblia trophozoites. It was shown that the funis is made of short arrays of microtubules emanating from the axonemes of the caudal flagella, which are anchored to dense rods that run parallel to the posterior-lateral flagella. After emergence of the posterior-lateral flagella, funis microtubules are anchored to the epiplasm, a fibrous layer that underlies the portion of membrane that presents tail contractility. Based on these observations a model for the tail flexion of G. lamblia is proposed.

Animals↗

Pathology of rotavirus infection in suckling mice: A study by conventional histology, immunofluorescence, ultrathin sections, and scanning electron microscopy.

Pathologic changes induced in the small intestine of suckling mice by rotavirus infection were studied by conventional histology, immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. Infection could be detected within 24 hours in a few mice, but after 2 days it was well established. Swollen, often vacuolated infected cells were found on the sides and tips of villi from which they rapidly became detached; microvilli showed variable irregularity. Immature enterocytes from crypts replaced lost infected cells. By the tenth day very few infected cells could still be found. Both tubular structures and spherical particles occurred in the infected cells. Only tubular structures were found in nuclei.

Animals↗

Endothelial cell density determined by specular microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Human eyes were photographed with a specular microscope and later examined wit a scanning electron microscope. Corneas from patients undergoing corneal transplantation in whom we were able to obtain preoperative specular micrographs were similarly analyzed. An attempt was made to correlate the counts obtained with both microscopic techniques by determining the amount of shrinkage the cornea undergoes while being processed for SEM. All specimens were counted with a planimeter. We found that the specular microscope adequately analyzes the endothelial cell density in the central and paracentral cornea of a normal eye, but because of its small sampling area specular microscopic counts are subject to significant error when dealing with nonhomogeneous populations such as postoperative cases. We found the peripheral corneal endothelial density to be less than the central endothelial density. Furthermore, we found that we could maximize the accuracy of counting by using a variable frame in a nonhomogeneous population, counting a minimum of four photographs per specimen, analyzing different areas, and analyzing larger areas.

Adolescent↗

Cell surface changes in capping studied by correlated fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.

A simple method has been devised for correlating fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, whereby the identical cell observed by the former can be observed by the latter. With this methodology, we have studied the sequence of cell surface changes which occur when mouse B lymphocytes, bearing immunoglobulin (Ig) on their surfaces, interact with fluoresceinated anti-Ig antibodies. Initially, the pattern of staining is diffuse; then, rapidly, patching occurs, followed by the sweeping of the patches into a cap. Accompanying these events are: the disappearance of microvilli, the formation of ruffles and lamellipodia at the pole of the cell opposite the capped pole, the presence of a constriction ring beneath the cap, ameboid shapes, and the translocation of the cell in a direction opposite the cap. Whereas the cell body is smooth, the capped pole frequently shows the presence of numerous microvilli. However, not all capping cells show the changes, and cells capped in the presence of cytochalasin B usually show none of them, except that their surfaces are smooth. Furthermore, T-cells undergoing translocation show the same cell surface changes as do B-cells. Whereas the contractile apparatus of the cell is considered to underlie all these phenomena, it is concluded that the cell surface changes do not result from patching and capping per se, but rather are an expression of the cell translocation also induced by the anti-Ig antibody.

Animals↗

The intercalated disc of monkey myocardial cells and Purkinje fibers as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

The intercalated discs of working myocardium and Purkinje fibers of the monkey heart were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The NaOH/ultrasonication technique resulted in the digestion of connective tissue and a separation of the intercellular junctions of intercalated discs, such that these could be visualized three-dimensionally. The intercalated discs of ventricular myocytes, atrial myocytes and Purkinje fibers vary considerably in number and configuration, as do the intercalated discs of the three different layers of the ventricular myocardium. Myocytes in the subepicardial, middle and subendocardial layers of the ventricle have 1-3, 4-5 and 5-6 intercalated discs at the end of these cells, respectively. Those in the endocardial layer are characterized by the presence of small laterally-placed intercalated discs. Atrial myocytes and Purkinje fibers usually only have 1-2 intercalated discs. Individual intercalated discs in ventricular myocytes have complicated stairs with 10-30 steps and corresponding risers, while those of atrial myocytes and Purkinje fibers have simple stairs with 1-3 steps and risers. Steps equivalent to the plicate segments are characterized by densely-packed microplicae and finger-like microprojections which greatly increase surface area in ventricular myocytes. Microprojections in atrial myocytes and Purkinje fibers are sparse by comparison. Risers equivalent to the interplicate segments containing large gap junctional areas are most numerous in left ventricular myocytes, followed by right ventricular myocytes, Purkinje fibers and atrial myocytes in decreasing order. The geometric arrangement of the various types of myocytes may be related with impulse propagation. Large intercalated discs of cell trunks and series branches may participate in longitudinal propagation, while small laterally-placed ones may be the site of transverse propagation.

Animals↗

The mineral content of human enamel studied by polarizing microscopy, microradiography and scanning electron microscopy.

The total observed birefringence and mineral content of the outer 300 micron of longitudinal sections of sound buccal premolar enamel were measured and three-dimensional contour maps were made. Using similar contour maps of calcium, carbonate and magnesium content from the literature, it seemed possible to explain the differences between the contour maps of total observed birefringence and mineral content. Scanning electron micrographs provided information about the orientation of the prisms. The cervical part of the enamel had a high intrinsic birefringence which may explain the difference between mineral content and total observed birefringence. This high intrinsic birefringence may be caused by a high carbonate content in cervical enamel.

Bicuspid↗

Cell surface characteristics and DNA content of macrophages in murine bone marrow cultures. A study using simultaneous scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy.

An instrument combining scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) was used to study the cell surface characteristics and DNA content of macrophages in murine bone marrow cultures. After a quantitative Feulgen DNA staining, the DNA content of the individual macrophages was measured and their cell surface morphology was studied immediately thereafter with the SEM part of the instrument. The cells were divided into six groups according to the number of microvilli and/or microridges present on their surface. A proportion of macrophages showed a DNA content more than occurs in diploid cells, which could indicate a future division. No special surface morphology could be detected in this cell type.

Animals↗

[Angio-architecture of the colon in Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies with reference to the morphology of the healthy large intestine].

The etiology and the pathogenesis of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases known as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have not been defined. Therefore, in this study the main emphasis was placed on description of the pathologic anatomy. Disturbed blood supply and vascular disorders have been discussed as etiopathogenetic factors. The results in the literature are frequently contradictory. For this reason, the vascular system of the colon in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis was systematically examined by means of various morphological methods in this study. Microvascular corrosion casting and translucent specimens were taken from operative specimens taken from 12 patients with Crohn's disease and 8 with ulcerative colitis. For comparison, tumor-free parts of 6 colon cancer specimens were examined. The evaluation was done by scanning electron- and/or stereoscopic microscopy. In the presence of chronic inflammatory bowel disease dilatation of the submucosal veins, caliber differences in the tunica muscularis and rarefaction of the penetrating blood vessels were found. In summary, an impairment of the blood flow in the tunica muscularis can be postulated. For the first time, the resulting venous stasis has been described, in contrast to the previously described disturbed arterial blood supply.

Adult↗

3-D morphological characterization of the liver parenchyma by atomic force microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy.

A comparative study of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of the healthy human liver parenchyma was carried out to determine the similarities and the differences. In this study, we compared the fine hepatic structures as observed by SEM and AFM. Although AFM revealed such typical hepatic structures as bile canaliculi and hepatocytes, it also showed the location of the nucleus and chromatin granules in rough relief structure, which was not visible by SEM. By contrast, SEM visualized other structures, such as microvilli, the central vein, and collagenous fibers, none of which was visualized by AFM. For better orientation and confirmation of most of the structures imaged by SEM and AFM, Congo Red-stained specimens were also examined. Amyloid deposits in the Disse's spaces were shown especially clearly in these images. The differences between the SEM and AFM images reflected the characteristics of the detection systems and methods used for sample preparation. Our results reveal that more detailed information on hepatic morphology is obtained by exploiting the advantages of both SEM and AFM.

Adult↗

Long-term microstructural analyses of hydroxyapatite implanted in rats using laser-Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy.

To investigate the long-term surface microstructure of a synthetic auditory ossicle (Apaceram) composed of dense hydroxyapatite (HA), thin HA disks were implanted subcutaneously into the interscapular regions of 12 rats. After 6, 14 and 20 months, implanted HA surfaces were observed using stereoscopic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser-Raman spectrometry. Visual observation by SEM at 6 months and by stereoscopic microscopy at 14 months indicated a progressive degradation of the HA disk surfaces implanted in the subcutaneous tissue. Visual observation by SEM at 14 and 20 months and by stereoscopic microscopy at 20 months indicated a progressive redeposition on the surfaces of the implants. Raman spectra compared half-peak breadths of v1 signal (PO4(3-), 960 cm(-1)) on the gray and white surface areas of implanted HA disks observed by stereoscopic microscopy. Analysis demonstrates that demineralization at 14 months and remineralization at 20 months occur on the gray areas; demineralization at 6 months and remineralization at 14 months occur on the white areas.

Animals↗

Identification of feline monocytes and neutrophils as effector cells in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity: sequential analysis, using light microscopy, histochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy.

Feline monocytes and neutrophils functioned as effector cells in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against antibody-coated chicken erythrocytes. Using light microscopy, effector cell populations were identified in effector-target cell interactions, with further characterization of these identical individual effector cells by histochemical evaluations and scanning electron microscopy. Monocytes and neutrophils, but not lymphocytes, were observed attacking target cells. Carbonyl iron depletion of monocytes and neutrophils from peripheral blood leukocytes caused a marked reduction from a mean of 62% to 3.6% lysis in ADCC as measured by a 4-hour 51Cr release assay. Effector cells functioning in the ADCC reaction were visualized, using sequential analysis and light microscopy, histochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy.

Animals↗