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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Tomography in Virology: 3D Imaging of High-pressure Frozen, Freeze-substituted Samples

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Published on: August 6, 2025

Electron tomography of vesicles.

C Charles Michel

Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)

|May 12, 2012

Summary

Electron tomography reveals the 3D structure of muscle capillary vesicles and caveolae. This advanced imaging technique provides new evidence for the role of vesicles in trans-endothelial transport of macromolecules.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Microcirculation Research
Biophysics

Background:

The role of endothelial vesicles and caveolae in macromolecular transport across muscle capillaries has been a long-standing debate.
Previous studies have provided conflicting evidence regarding the existence and function of trans-endothelial channels and single vesicles.

Discussion:

Electron tomography offers high-resolution 3D visualization of endothelial structures, including vesicle clusters, individual vesicles, and trans-endothelial channels.
Lanthanide tracer labeling suggests that vesicles and channels may facilitate the transport of macromolecules across the endothelium.
The study revisits the historical controversy surrounding vesicular transport and its implications for vascular permeability.

Key Insights:

Electron tomography resolves the 3D arrangement of endothelial vesicles and caveolae in muscle capillaries.

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Evidence supports the involvement of vesicles and trans-endothelial channels in macromolecular transport.

High-resolution imaging clarifies the structure and potential function of these endothelial transport pathways.

Outlook:

Further research is needed to definitively establish the role of vesicles in vascular permeability.
Addressing criticisms of ultrastructural evidence is crucial for advancing the understanding of vesicular transport.
Advanced imaging techniques like electron tomography will continue to refine our understanding of endothelial cell function.