Biology Commons^™

Three-Dimensional Morphological Analysis Of Nerve Cells By Scanning Electron Microscopy. A Review, O. J. Castejón

Scanning Microscopy

The present review provides a rational and new approach to study the three-dimensional morphology of nerve cells in situ at both cellular and macromolecular levels, by means of conventional (SEM) and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). The slicing and ethanol-cryofracturing methods, the freeze-fracture SEM method and tissue preparation for HRSEM have been described. Nerve cell outer surface, axon hillock and initial axon segment, axonal collateral ramifications and dendritic processes were visualized either by the slicing technique or the cryofracture method displaying neuronal geometry in situ. The cleavage plane occurred at the satellite neuroglial sheath exposing somatic hidden surfaces of …

Three-Dimensional Morphology Of Cerebellar Protoplasmic Islands And Proteoglycan Content Of Mossy Fiber Glomerulus: A Scanning And Transmission Electron Microscope Study, O. J. Castejón, H. V. Castejón

Scanning Microscopy

The present review summarizes the outer and inner surface features of mossy fiber glomeruli in vertebrate cerebellar granular layer as seen by conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM freeze-fracture method. The intracortical trajectory of mossy fibers and their synaptic contacts with granule cell dendrites were traced by the slicing and freeze-fracture techniques revealing the radial distribution of granule cell dendrites around the central mossy rosette. The "en passant" nature of mossy fiber synaptic contacts and the participation of Golgi cell axonal ramifications were demonstrated. The results obtained were compared with available light and transmission electron microscopy data. The freeze-etching …

The Response Of The Tracheal Epithelium To Concomitant Cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (Ii) And Radiation. An Electron Microscopic Study In Rabbits, C. H. Håkansson, M. Albertsson, M. Palmegren, J. Ranstam

Scanning Microscopy

The ciliated epithelium of the rabbit trachea was irradiated with daily fractions of 2 Gy up to an accumulated dose of 20 Gy (total dose: 2, 6, 10, 16, or 20 Gy). Fifteen to forty-five minutes before the start of each irradiation 0.3 mg Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cis-DDP) was given by intraperitoneal injection to each rabbit. Examinations were carried out 1-10 days after each fractionation schedule, when specimens were taken for morphological investigations.

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination showed a gradual development of ciliary damage, from blebs on the cilia to swollen tips, broken and bent cilia and finally an epithelial injury …

Timed Acid Bath Effects On Kidney Podocytes Prepared For Scanning Electron Microscopy, B. J. Moore, K. R. Holmes

Scanning Microscopy

In perfusion fixation of dog kidney glomeruli, observation of tear fractured surfaces by scanning electron microscopy reveals the deposition of "debris" on the surface of glomerular visceral epithelium (podocytes) that is not deposited on other kidney tissue surfaces. It is of concern to remove this debris without damage to tissue surfaces. A 5 minute bath in 8N HCI (hydrochloric acid) following postfixation in 1% OsO₄ (osmium tetroxide) removes only some of the debris. A 10 minute acid bath removes this debris without visible damage to podocyte surface structures such as cilia, plicae or blebs. A 20 minute acid bath …

Transplacental Cardiotoxicity Of Cocaine: Atrial Damage Following Treatment In Early Pregnancy, Jacques Gilloteaux, John P. Dalbec

Scanning Microscopy

Using light, transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy, cocaine-induced defects were observed in hamster atria. Compared with controls, the treated atria from neonates show endocardial and myocardial damages as the atrial walls thicken. SEM micrographs show intensive blebbing, damage and incomplete coverage of myocardium by the endocardial endothelium. TEM data demonstrate blebs, thinning, and other endothelial cell injuries and complement the SEM findings. Areas of endothelial sloughing may facilitate the formation of luminal and mural thrombi as noticed in many neonatal atria. Adjacent subendocardial myocardial cells display contraction bands, swellings, and vacuolizations. Local and large areas of damaged myocardial …

Conventional And High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Biological Sectioned Material, C. Scala, G. Cenacchi, P. Preda, M. Vici, R. P. Apkarian, Gianandrea Pasquinelli

Scanning Microscopy

Intracellular structures of embedded biological tissues (rat kidney, myocardium and small intestine) were observed by conventional-scanning electron microscopy (C-SEM) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) after glass knife sectioning. C-SEM of semi -thin sections of material processed the same way as conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provided strong backscattered electron (BSE)-dependent, two-dimensional secondary electron images (SEI(-)) which precisely integrated and further extended previous light microscopy (LM) observation of the same specimen. In addition, the three-dimensional (3-D) arrangement of intracellular organelles was appreciated using a mixture of acetone-soluble acrylic resin in place of epoxy resin embedding. Since the identification of such …

Scanning Electron Microscopic Study Of Pulp Stones In Human Permanent Teeth, O. Le May, J. C. Kaqueler

Scanning Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine pulp stones which are small calcified formations found in the coronal and/or radicular part of the dental pulp. Pulp stones range considerably in size and shape. Most are round or oval but others can be irregular and may correspond to a reduced duplicate of the pulp chamber anatany. Both free and attached pulp stones were observed. The surface aspect was variable and frequently exhibited large resorption zones. Three characteristic features were observed on fractures a) no characteristic organization where the mineralized mass is compact and hanogeneous, b) a concentric architecture around an initiating …

A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study Of The Morphology Of Scyphidia Physarum Lachmann, 1856 (Ciliophora: Peritrichida), A. Warren

Scanning Microscopy

The morphology of Scyphidia physarum was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both contracted and uncontracted zooids were examined. The pellicular striations encircled the body at mean intervals of 1.1 µm. Pores were randomly distributed over the body surface with a mean density of 21 pores per 100 µm 2. The telotroch band was represented by three closely spaced striations. The adoral ciliature consisted of a single row of cilia in the haplokinety and three rows in the polykinety. The two sets of cilia were separated by a pellicular ridge. At the end of each row of cilia was a …

A Straightforward Scanning Electron Microscopy Technique For Examining Non-Metal Coated Dental Hard Tissues, S. M. Mccormack, F. J. Tormo, J. D. B. Featherstone

Scanning Microscopy

Modifications to the standard operating settings for accelerating voltage , condenser lens current, scan rate, working distance and tilt on the conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) enabled non-metal coated dental hard tissues and synthetic apatite pellets to be viewed free of charging effects . Well -resolved images at magnifications as high as 35,000x were achieved using accelerating voltages less than 5 kV . The methodology detailed here allowed for serial SEM examination of the same sample at various points during an experimental procedure , and may be applied to other sample types. The procedure is non-destructive to the sample and …

Fine Structure Of The Inner Enamel In Human Permanent Teeth, T. Kodaka, M. Kuroiwa, M. Abe

Scanning Microscopy

Using SEM after EDTA etching, the mid-coronal inner enamel of human permanent teeth was classified into three regions of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd zones. The 1st zone showing a highly negative birefringence was the innermost 10 - 15 μm enamel. This zone consisted of arcade and circular initial prisms, and the succeeding arcade prisms only. These initial prisms arising perpendicularly to the dentine surface resembled pseudoprisms because these prisms showed a somewhat centripetal arrangement of crystal lites and indistinct prism boundaries. The succeeding prisms were frequently bent following a faint slit within the prism. The 2nd zone adjacent to …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Vascular Corrosion Casts - Technique And Applications: Updated Review, A. Lametschwandtner, U. Lametschwandtner, T. Weiger

Scanning Microscopy

The present paper states very briefly the main steps leading to the technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts. From the terms presently used (injection method, microcorrosion cast, injection replica, vascular corrosion cast, vascular cast) the use of "vascular corrosion cast" for lymphatic and blood vessels is recommended. Specification and pretreatment (kind, volume, dosage of anticoagulants, vasoactive substances and spasmolytica used) of the animals examined are referenced as they are available from the literature. The recommendation is given to pay more attention to these parameters than done so far. The steps necessary for producing reasonable and suitable …

Plasmons In Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Electron Spectra, R. H. Ritchie, A. Howie, P. M. Echenique, G. J. Basbas, T. L. Ferrell, J. C. Ashley

Scanning Microscopy

A general self-energy formulation of the interaction between an electron in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and a localized target is given. We prove a theorem relating the probability of energy transfer to that calculated classically. Local dielectric theory of target excitation for various geometries is discussed. The problem of localization of initially unlocalized excitations in the valence band of solids is treated by transforming cross sections differential in momentum transfer into dependence on an impact parameter variable. We are thereby able to account for experimental data in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that show high spatial resolution.

The Secondary Blood Vessel System Of Segmental Arteries And Dorsal Aorta In Blennius Pavo And Zosterisessor Ophiocephalus. Histology, Fine Structure And Sem Of Vascular Corrosion Casts., F. Lahnsteiner, A. Lametschwandtner, R. A. Patzner

Scanning Microscopy

The secondary blood vessel system of the segmental arteries and of the dorsal aorta of the teleost fish Blennius pavo and Zosterisessor ophiocephalus are examined by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy of appropriately processed tissue and of vascular corrosion casts. Dorsal, lateral and ventral segmental arteries and the caudal portions of the dorsal aorta have a secondary vessel system. The secondary vessels are formed by capillaries which arise from the proximal portions of the segmental arteries and from the caudal parts of the dorsal aorta. In Z. ophiocephalus these capillaries are strongly dilated at their …

The Use Of Scanning Electron Microscopy In The Analysis Of Pathological Hairs, Bo Forslind

Scanning Microscopy

The potentials of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) have only to a certain degree been exploited in the study of pathological hair fibers. In this review brief viewpoints on aspects of preparation and interpretation are discussed. It is shown that SEM will reveal important facts on the morphology of pathological hairs is appropriate experiment are performed, such as forming a knot on the fiber. Such a simple experiment will provide information on the fiber cross section, and on the tensile strength of the cuticle and the fiber. Complementary methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pathological hair fibers are suggested.

Properties Of A New Dental Porcelain, T. K. Vaidyanathan, J. Vaidyanathan, A. Prasad

Scanning Microscopy

A high strength dental porcelain OPTEC, HSP™ has recently been introduced for use in the fabrication of crowns, three-unit anterior bridges with a single pontic, inlays, on lays, veneers, etc., without a metal substrate. This investigation reports the results of our research involving the characterization of the structure properties and thermally induced transformations of this porcelain. It has been found that the material possesses superior strength and other properties relative to conventional porcelains. The improved properties appear to result from the presence of a very fine and relatively dense distribution of leucite crystals. Scanning electron microscopy indicates, however, that the …

Bone Ingrowth Into Porous Coated Canine Total Hip Replacements. Quantification By Backscattered Scanning Electron Microscopy And Image Analysis, Murali Jasty, Charles R. Bragdon, Steven Schutzer, Harry Rubash, Teresa Haire, William H. Harris

Scanning Microscopy

Bone ingrowth into titanium fiber mesh porous-surfaced canine total hip replacement prostheses was evaluated and quantified using a computer assisted image analysis system attached to a scanning electron microscope equipped with a back scattered electron detector. Excellent contrast between the bone, the porous metal and the soft tissues resulted in the backscatter mode, allowing easy differentiation of these components in real time by the image analysis based on gray scales. By three weeks the mean (± standard deviation) amount of bone ingrowth expressed as a percentage of porous layer measured 7.2% (± 1.5%) for the acetabular components, and 3.9% (± …

A Stereoscopic Scanning Electron Microscope Study Of Pulmonary Hypoplasia In Chondrodystrophic Mice, W. Bradford Hepworth, Robert E. Seegmiller

Scanning Microscopy

Pulmonary hypoplasia is a life threatening condition in newborns resulting from a generalized underdevelopment of the lungs. The lung disorder is usually secondary to conditions outside the lung such as thoracic volume reduction. The precise mechanism by which thoracic volume reduction prevents normal lung development and growth is unknown. As a model for human pulmonary hypoplasia associated with lethal skeletal dysplasia, a stereoscopic SEM study of chondrodystrophic (cho) fetal mouse lungs fixed by intratracheal instillation with 3% glutaraldehyde was conducted. In comparison with lungs of phenotypically normal littermates, the mutant's lungs appeared unaffected with respect to structure of major …

Changes In The Esophageal Epithelium In Rabbits Treated By Cis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum As Studied By Electron Microscopy, M. Albertsson, C. -H. Hakansson, M. Palmegren

Scanning Microscopy

The esophageal mucosa of the rabbit was investigated after a single dose of 5 mg Cis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum (Cis-DDP). Specimens were taken for scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and light microscopy. Examination was performed daily for 20 consecutive days. A cytotoxic effect was observed already the first day after injection with an intracellular oedema. Thereafter the height of the esophageal epithelium and the basal cell layer steadily decreased to a minimum day 11. This parallels the damaged microridges and an increased cell loss as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. At the end of the observation period the esophageal mucosa had completely …

The Effect Of 10 And 20 Gy Single Dose Irradiation On The Esophageal Mucosa Of The Rabbit. An Electron Microscopic Study, C. H. Hakansson, M. Albertsson, M. Palmegren

Scanning Microscopy

The mucosa of rabbit esophagus was irradiated with single doses of 10 and 20 Gy respectively. Specimens were taken for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and light microscopy investigations. Examinations were made 1-14 days after 10 Gy and 1-17 days after 20 Gy. Irradiation resulted in edema during the first days. The thickness of the epithelium was at its lowest value around day 5 after the administration of 10 Gy, and on days eight to ten after the administration of 20 Gy. Damage of the epithelium surface, as scored on SEM micrographs, was most pronounced on days eight to eleven after …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Chromosomes And Chromosome Fragments In Transgenic Rainbow Trout, Jane E. Disney, Christine M. Davitt, Gary H. Thorgaard

Scanning Microscopy

Chromosomes and chromosome fragments from embryonic offspring of a transgenic rainbow trout were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM is an extremely useful technique for studying the structure of chromosome fragments since little morphological detail is revealed by conventional staining methodologies and light microscopy. The chromosome preparations were processed for SEM by combining an osmium-thiocarbohydrazide-osmium (OTO) technique with 2-4 nm of gold deposition. This technique revealed the organization of individual chromatin fibers in chromosome fragments and intact chromosomes. Both a linear chromosome fragment with a width similar to that of an intact chromatid (approximately 0.60 micrometers) and a spherical …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Of The Small Intestine Mucosa In Children With Celiac Disease After Long-Term Dietary Treatment, M. Morroni, A. Sbarbati, G. D'Angelo, C. Catassi, P. L. Giorgi, S. Cinti

Scanning Microscopy

Jejunal mucosal specimens from twenty children with celiac disease were studied by light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after one year of dietary treatment. An ultrastructural morphometric study was performed in five patients who had an intestinal permeability (IP) test. Seventeen patients were tested for serum antigliadin antibodies (AGA). In ten children, in whom LM showed partial villous atrophy, SEM and TEM examination confirmed the lesion. In the second group (10 children) with normal morphology at routine LM, SEM showed lesions of variable degree in 70% of cases. The morphological ultrastructural investigation showed good …

Backscattered Electron Imaging Using Single Crystal Scintillator Detectors, R. Autrata

Scanning Microscopy

The image obtained by the detection of backscattered electrons (BSE) becomes an indispensable complement to the correct interpretation and more precise reconstruction of the surface of the specimen and its material composition. The BSE are carriers of information which is dependent on their angular and energy distribution. The choice of a certain type of BSE and their efficient detection make it possible to record the desired information with a different grade of quality. The knowledge of the angular and energy distribution of BSE is necessary for the adjustment of the correct position of the BSE detector with regard to the …

Osteoclast Features Of Cells That Resorb Demineralized And Mineral-Containing Bone Implants In Rats, Cedo M. Bagi, Scott C. Miller

Scanning Microscopy

The comparative temporal tissue response to demineralized bone matrix powder (DBP) and devitalized mineral containing bone powder (MCP) implanted subcutaneously in rats was studied. The tissue response to implanted DBP followed the well described endochondral osteogenic pathway and included the appearance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. On the other hand, implanted MCP resulted in the appearance of a large population of giant cells that resorbed the implants. At later times (3-4 weeks), most of the cells in the MCP implants appeared as typical foreign body giant cells with extensive membrane foldings, usually away from bone surface. Some cells did, however, have …

Morphology And Chemical Composition Of Dental Calculi Mainly Composed Of Whitlockite, Toshiro Sakae, Hirotsugu Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Mishima, Takashi Matsumoto, Yukishige Kozawa

Scanning Microscopy

The morphology and chemical composition of two subgingival calculus samples, which were composed of magnesium-whitlockite with a Mg/Ca molar ratio of approximately 0.1 as shown by X-ray powder diffraction, were analyzed semiquantitatively using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Ca/P molar ratio values for 33 EDS-analyzed materials ranged from 1.24 to 2.03 with an average of 1.49, and the (Mg+Ca)/P molar ratio values ranged from 1.43 to 2.28 with an average of 1.63. The average Mg/Ca molar ratio was 0.10, a value very close to that obtained by X-ray diffraction analysis.

The EDS-analyzed materials were grouped …

Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Lung Following Alpha Irradiation, C. L. Sanders, K. E. Lauhala, K. E. Mcdonald

Scanning Microscopy

Pulmonary aggregation of inhaled ²³⁹PuO₂ particles leads to a cellular evolution of focal inflammation, fibrosis, epithelial dysplasia and lung tumor formation. Female Wistar rats were exposed to an aerosol of high-fired ²³⁹PuO₂ (initial lung burden, 3.9 kBq) and the lungs examined at intervals from 1 day to 700 days after exposure by light and scanning electron microscopy and autoradiography. Peribronchiolar Pu particle aggregation increased with time, resulting in well-defined focal inflammatory lesions after 120 days and fibrotic lesions after 180 days. A generalized hypertrophy and hyperplasia of nonciliated bronchiolar cells was seen at 15 days and …

Biuret Staining And X-Ray Microanalysis For Locating Grafted Poly(Methyl Acrylate) On Wool Fibers, R. R. Bresee, P. A. Annis

Scanning Microscopy

Biuret reagent was used to stain wool fibers with copper so the location of a small amount of poly(methyl acrylate) grafted onto the fibers could be determined by energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis of copper. The grafted polymer was determined to be located in regions of the fibers where cuticle had been previously damaged. The amount of grafted polymer present was too small for secondary electron imaging to be useful for locating the polymer grafts.

A Contribution To The Scanning Electron Microscope Based Microcharacterization Of Semi-Insulating Gallium Arsenide Substrates, D. Köhler, G. Koschek, E. Kubalek

Scanning Microscopy

The macroscopic behaviour of semiconducting materials is determined by the distribution of microscopic defects like dislocations, impurities and intrinsic defects. Therefore, microanalytical methods are necessary to control the influence of technological process parameters on the materials properties. In the case of GaAs substrates, measurements of the cathodoluminescence (CL) and the electron beam induced voltage (EBIV) as well as the new charging technique seem to be promising methods to perform this task. CL-micrographs of as-grown GaAs substrates show bright cellular structures, which correspond to dislocation networks. Comparative investigations by use of the new charging contrast technique indicate an increased conductivity in …

Recent Uses Of Electron Microscopy In The Study Of Physico-Chemical Processes Affecting The Reactivity Of Synthetic And Biological Apatites, J. D. B. Featherstone, D. G. A. Nelson

Scanning Microscopy

Studies which used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate subsurface demineralization of dental enamel have recently been well reviewed. The purpose of the present paper was to review several studies, carried out in our laboratories, which have used electron microscopy to examine physicochemical properties of synthetic and biological apatites, to relate these results to previous studies, and to present new data.

Aspects of the ultrastructure of hydroxyapatite and carbonated-apatites have been observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and related to shape and growth of these crystals.

Surface morphologies of discs prepared from precipitated carbonated-apatites and from ceramic carbonated-apatites were …

Solution-Mediated Transformation Of Octacalcium Phosphate (Ocp) To Apatite, R. Z. Legeros, G. Daculsi, I. Orly, T. Abergas, W. Torres

Scanning Microscopy

OCP crystals were hydrolyzed in solutions containing Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HPO₄^2-, CO₃^2-, F^-, citrate or P₂O₇ ions. Products of hydrolysis were analyzed using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction.

Results demonstrated that the OCP to Apatite (AP) transformation is influenced by: (1) types of ions in solution: inhibited by Mg²⁺, citrate or P₂O₇^4-; facilitated by F^-, CO₃^2-, HPO₄^2- or Ca²⁺ ions; (2) ionic concentrations; (3) …

The Vascularization Of The Skin Of The Atlantic Hagfish, Myxine Glutinosa L. As Revealed By Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Vascular Corrosion Casts, A. Lametschwandtner, T. Weiger, U. Lametschwandtner, V. Georgieva-Hanson, R. A. Patzner, H. Adam

Scanning Microscopy

The vascularization of three different (A, B, C) skin regions (from the level of the heart to the cloaca including dorsal, lateral and ventral skin areas) of the Atlantic hagfish, Myxine glutinosa L. was studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. Vessel variables were measured either from semithin sections (diameters) or from vascular corrosion casts (diameters, lengths) and total blood capacities as well as vessel surfaces per unit skin area (mm²) were calculated. There are no significant differences in the number of subepidermal capillary meshes (ranging from 164 to 185 meshes per micrograph) in areas A, …