Confocal laser scanning microscopy of small-intestinal mucosa in celiac disease.
BACKGROUND
Light microscopy of jejunal biopsy specimens is routinely used to diagnose celiac disease. Confocal laser scanning microscopy offers research advantages, since thin optical sectioning can be performed without mechanical damage to the specimen. Fixed as well as non-fixed specimens can be studied.


METHODS
Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to study the stanining of wheat germ agglutinin, which binds to glycoconjugates of the enterocyte, and rhodamine phalloidin, which binds to the F-actin of the cells.


RESULTS
In healthy mucosa the wheat germ agglutinin labeling showed a strong and punctate staining of microvilli, which outlined a convoluted surface. Phalloidin-labeled actin formed a three-dimensional cage at the cell membrane. In the crypt-hyperplastic mucosa, both staining patterns were irregular, and the cytoskeleton was disorganized.


CONCLUSIONS
Confocal laser scanning microscopy offers the possibility to study the distribution of surface and cytoskeleton markers in thick, structurally intact specimens.
Holmgren Peterson
K
K
Dept. of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Sweden.
Magnusson
K E
KE
Stenhammar
L
L
Fälth-Magnusson
K
K
D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D005983:Glutens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000473:pathology*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D010590:Phalloidine; D012235:Rhodamines; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins
D012235:Rhodamines; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins; D010590:Phalloidine; D005983:Glutens