The Open Anatomy Journal

2010, 2 : 98-101
Published online 2010 December 30. DOI: 10.2174/1877609401002010098
Publisher ID: TOANATJ-2-98

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Evaluation of the Microanatomy of the Liver via a Rapid Sample Preparation Protocol and a Table-Top Scanning Electron Microscope

Filip Braet, *
Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis (ACMM), The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

* Address correspondence to this author at the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (ACMM), Madsen Building F09, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Tel: + 61 2 9351 7619; Fax: + 61 2 9351 7682; E-mailfilip.braet@sydney.edu.au

ABSTRACT

In this paper an alternative preparation and imaging method is presented that allows investigation of the fine structure of hepatic tissue within one hour after the initial fixation step. This approach involves, besides traditional fixation with glutaraldehyde, chemical drying and subsequent investigation of the samples with the new generation of user-friendly desktop scanning electron microscopes. The data presented herein reveal comparative preservation of liver ultrastructure to those that are prepared using classical sample preparation protocols. This low-cost approach permits the swift study of liver tissue subjected to various testing conditions and hence bridges the time gap between experiment and subsequent ultrastructural observation at the nanoscale.

Keywords:

Electron microscopy, liver, microanatomy, hepatic morphology, ultrastructure.