Antikeratin antibody staining on ultrathin sections of epidermal cells prepared by low-denaturation embedding

Direct immunological identification of cellular components has not been possible in tissues prepared for electron microscopy by conventional methods. This may be attributed, in part, to the relatively harsh reagents employed. Using an approach to preparation of biological specimens for transmission electron microscopy that aims for minimal perturbation of native protein conformation, we have obtained specimens that may be stained with antibodies. Recent investigations using these methods have revealed new information regarding the organization of epidermal cells.