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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
08:38
A Standardized Method for the Analysis of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Their Fenestrations by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: April 30, 2015
Fixation methods for electron microscopy of human and other liver
Eddie Wisse1, Filip Braet, Hans Duimel
1Electron Microscope Unit, University of Maastricht, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. eddie@wisse.be
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 18, 2010
Summary
Electron microscopy (EM) of liver tissues requires specialized skills and detailed sample preparation. This guide simplifies hepatic cell and tissue processing methods for researchers using electron microscopy.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Electron microscopy (EM) of the liver demands significant expertise in complex tissue processing.
- Interpreting EM images necessitates understanding liver fine structure and common imaging artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive summary of hepatic cell and tissue preparation methods for EM.
- To preserve existing expertise and encourage new researchers to utilize EM in liver studies.
Main Methods:
- Detailed protocols for fixation, embedding, and sectioning of hepatic tissues.
- Guidance on contrast staining and microscopic imaging techniques for liver samples.
- Addressing common artifacts encountered during EM sample preparation.
Main Results:
- A standardized approach to liver EM sample preparation is outlined.
- Methods are presented to minimize artifacts and enhance image clarity.
- The paper serves as a practical resource for researchers.
Conclusions:
- This work simplifies complex EM preparation techniques for liver studies.
- It aims to foster broader adoption of EM in hepatology research.
- Accessible EM protocols can enhance the study of liver structure and function.
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01:03Fixation and Sectioning
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The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
01:20Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy
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