Direct imaging of live human platelets by flash x-ray microscopy.
A 100-nanosecond pulse of long-wavelength x-rays was used to produce high-resolution stop-motion images of living human platelets. Although some aspects of the structure conform to those seen in dehydrated specimens, novel features are apparent. The technique should permit detailed stop-motion examination of the interaction of platelets with their surrounding medium as well as exploration of the phagocytic and secretory activities of a wide variety of other cells.
D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011554:Pseudopodia / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D014965:X-Rays