Coated Glass Slides TACAS Are Applicable to Heat-Assisted Immunostaining and In Situ Hybridization at the Electron

Takahiro Matsui1, Takanori Onouchi2, Kazuya Shiogama2

  • 1Student, the Faculty of Medical Technology, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences , Toyoake, Aichi, Japan ; Department of Pathology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine , Toyoake, Aichi, Japan ; Present address: Laboratory Medicine, Toyota Kosei Hospital , Toyota, Aichi, Japan.

Insights

This study introduces a new method for visualizing severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus using specialized coated glass slides. The Thinlayer Advanced Cytology Assay System (TACAS) slides enable antigen and genome visualization in macrophages.

Area of Science:

  • Electron Microscopy
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Visualizing viral components within host cells is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.
  • Pre-embedding electron microscopy requires specialized sample preparation techniques.
  • Current methods using aminopropyltriexoxysilane-coated slides are unsuitable for epoxy resin transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a novel method for visualizing severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus antigen and genome.
  • To identify suitable coated glass slides for pre-embedding electron microscopy requiring epoxy resin transfer.
  • To adapt this technique for immunocytochemical evaluation after cell transfer.

Main Methods:

  • Pre-embedding electron microscopy was performed on human splenic red pulp macrophages.
  • Sections underwent preheating treatment for antigen and genome visualization.
  • Thinlayer Advanced Cytology Assay System (TACAS) coated glass slides were utilized and compared to aminopropyltriexoxysilane-coated slides.

Main Results:

  • Aminopropyltriexoxysilane-coated slides prevented section transfer to epoxy resin.
  • TACAS-coated glass slides facilitated successful transfer of stained sections to epoxy resin.
  • The developed technique enabled visualization of SFTS virus in macrophage cytoplasm.

Conclusions:

  • TACAS-coated glass slides are suitable for pre-embedding electron microscopy requiring epoxy resin transfer.
  • This method allows for the visualization of SFTS virus components in macrophages.
  • The technique is adaptable for other cytology practices needing post-transfer immunocytochemical evaluation.

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