title: Preparation of cells for microscopy using chamber slides and coverslips.
abstract: Microscopy is a simple, direct technique for examining the morphology of cells and their organelles. Cells are immobilized on a solid support that is optically suitable for microscopy, and then fixed. When coupled with antibody-based immunofluorescent or immunocytochemical methods, the expression of specific proteins can be quantified and localized. Specialized stains and dyes can also be used to visualize nucleic acids or other cellular structures. See alternative protocols for fixation of suspension cells on Preparation of Cells for Microscopy using Cytospin and Preparation of Cells for Microscopy using 'Cell Blocks'.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Electronic address: ckoh6@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Cheryl M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Koh
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018914:Cells, Immobilized; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique / Q000379:methods; D005557:Formaldehyde; D000432:Methanol; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D005557:Formaldehyde; D000432:Methanol
keywords: Chamber slides; Collect and seed cells; Coverslips; Fixation of cells; Formalin and methanol; Standard sterile technique; Treatment of cells