The ultrastructure of erythropoiesis in vitro: description and utilization of a new methodology

A simplified methodology has been developed which makes it possible to examine the ultrastructural details of cells cloned in vitro while retaining the cell/cell relationships within semi-solid cultures. Using mouse erythropoiesis as the model for study, electron microscopy revealed many normal characteristics of red blood cell differentiation and maturation, as well as several distinct dyserythropoietic features. The usefulness of this technology should apply to fine structural studies of clonally-derived material such as hematopoietic cells, tumor cell lines and primary tumor cultures.