The avian erythrocyte: a study of fixation for electron microscopy.
The quality of ultrastructural preservation of the avian erythrocyte achieved using various fixation techniques is evaluated. Different combinations of initial fixatives, buffers and post-fixation procedures were tested as well as variations in fixative osmolarity, pH and temperature. Of the commonly used initial fixatives (glutaraldehyde, acrolein and formaldehyde), 2% glutaraldehyde, alone in a slightly hypertonic buffer containing divalent ions, produced optimum erythrocyte preservation. The osmolarity was balanced using a non-electrolyte such as a sucrose. The addition of 12% hexylene glycol to the buffer solutions also improves erythrocyte preservation, as evidenced by the increased stability of the marginal microtubules, microfilaments and proteinaceous material. The use of Spurr low-viscosity epoxy resin enables the cells to be collected using low gravitational centrifugation.
D000171:Acrolein; D000818:Animals; D002021:Buffers; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002645:Chickens; D002712:Chlorides; D002843:Chromatin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005557:Formaldehyde; D005976:Glutaral; D006018:Glycols; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008274:Magnesium; D008297:Male; D008870:Microtubules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D013696:Temperature
D002021:Buffers; D002712:Chlorides; D002843:Chromatin; D006018:Glycols; D005557:Formaldehyde; D000171:Acrolein; D008274:Magnesium; C011480:hexylene glycol; D005976:Glutaral