The effect of preparative protocol on the cytoskeleton ultrastructure observed in extracted whole-mount BHK cells

Extracted BHK cells (baby hamster kidney) were prepared for electron microscopy by air-drying (with Freon 113), critical-point-drying, and freeze-drying. Variations in the drying procedures had a marked effect on the resultant cytoskeleton ultrastructure. Air drying had to be done in a Freon-saturated atmosphere, residual water had to be removed from the dehydrating solutions and carbon dioxide for critical-point-dried specimens, and freeze-drying had to be done at temperatures lower than -90 degrees C. Failure to exercise these precautions resulted in a cytoskeleton ultrastructure artifact, possibly caused by fusion of the cytoskeleton filaments.