title: Ultrastructural localization of extracellular matrix proteins in liver biopsies using ultracryomicrotomy and immuno-gold labelling.
abstract: We describe a technique for the localization of extracellular matrix proteins in wedge and needle biopsy specimens of human liver. Using ultra-thin (50-70 nm) sections of puncture perfusion fixed tissue, extracellular matrix proteins were localized using a protein A-gold labelling procedure. We obtained good preservation of ultrastructural detail and specific labelling for collagen types I, III and IV and fibronectin. The method represents a sensitive means of identifying the extracellular distribution and the cellular origin of these proteins in normal and diseased human liver.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Burt
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schuppan
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Voss
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: MacSween
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008867:Microtomy; D013205:Staphylococcal Protein A
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D013205:Staphylococcal Protein A; D003094:Collagen