An EDTA-KOH method to expose bone cells for scanning electron microscopy

To observe bone cells by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the mouse parietal bones were processed by decalcification with EDTA and digestion of collagen fibers with KOH to remove the bone matrix, in addition to the conventional preparation for SEM. The critical-point-dried specimens were split into two membranous pieces along the gaps formed by removing the bone matrix. By this method, osteoclasts showing full three-dimensional images of ruffled borders, osteoblasts showing special structures on the surfaces facing the bone matrix, and osteocytes extending many slender processes were clearly demonstrated in SEM. This new method may provide new viewpoints in bone cell biology.