The effects of hypobaric atmospheres on living cells in layers of thin media and implications for electron microscopy

At present, the only possibility for improved resolution of intracellular movement appears to be electron microscopy using a hydration chamber (EMC) at reduced gas pressures with thinned medium around the cells. The environmental constraints of examining cells under such conditions were examined in the absence of ionizing radiation by using an EMC-analogue fitted to a light microscope. White blood cells and baby hamster kidney cells were examined. A 50% survival pressure value, for hypobaric atmospheres, was determined for these cells. Morphological changes of the hypobarically-exposed cells are described.