title: Application of x-ray microanalysis in reproductive physiology.
abstract: Sperm, testis, prostate, epididymis and uterus have all beeen examined by X-ray microanalysis in the electron microscope. Specimen preparation has included air drying of whole cells, fixation, histochemical treatment, cryoultramicrotomy and freeze substitution of soft tissues, and micropuncture and pipetting of microdroplets from tissue fluids. Early analyses involved the study of thick samples using the electron probe microanalyser (EPMA) with wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS). More recently energy dispersive spectrometers (EDS) have been coupled to EMMA, TEM, SEM and STEM instruments to study these tissues. Although spatial resolution and sensitivity of analysis have greatly improved recently, specimen preparation remains a major limitation to the successful analysis of physiological levels of elements in reproductive tissues. A review of comparative methods of analysis and specimen preparation procedures is given for tissues of male and female species.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D004602:Elements; D004822:Epididymis / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000032:analysis; D011467:Prostate / Q000032:analysis; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013737:Testis / Q000032:analysis; D014599:Uterus / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D004602:Elements