Examination of mucosal surfaces by scanning electron microscopy before and after removal of debris.
A rapid method is described whereby gastrointestinal biopsy specimen surfaces can be examined by scanning electron microscopy with overlying tract contents (debris) intact, and also re-examined after cleaning to determine the structure of the underlying mucosal surface. The conductive coating of gold is removed using mercury, a non-wetting agent. The specimen surface is suitably cleaned of debris after a brief ultrasonication in absolute ethanol which mixes with the transitional fluid (CO2) used for critical point drying.
Dickson
G R
GR
Department of Anatomy, Queen's University of Belfast, U.K.
McKenna
S
S
McColl
K
K
Carr
K E
KE
D000818:Animals; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats