title: Preparation of cells for microscopy using 'cell blocks'.
abstract: Microscopy is a simple, direct technique for examining the morphology of cells and their organelles. Embedding cells in agarose and then in paraffin as 'cell blocks' allows for them to be processed in the same manner that tissue specimens are processed for histology. This method is advantageous because numerous sections can be cut from one cell block. Additionally, sectioning renders antigens within the nucleus and other cell organelles more accessible to antibodies. However, access to specialized equipment for histological tissue processing is required See alternative protocols for fixation of suspension cells on Preparation of Cells for Microscopy using Cytospin and for adherent cells on Preparation of Cells for Microscopy using Chamber Slides and Coverslips.
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: D000818:Animals; D018914:Cells, Immobilized; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016612:Paraffin Embedding / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012685:Sepharose
chemical_list: D012685:Sepharose
keywords: Cell blocks; Cell plugs; Collection and fixation of cells; Immunofluorescent staining; Paraffin embedded and section