A high-resolution staining method for examination of mammalian cell surfaces in the light microscope

A simple light-microscopic method for the examination of fine details on cell surfaces is described. When cell specimens on platinum-coated glass or plastic surfaces are stained with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride and hydrogen peroxide, fine cytoplasmic processes that cannot be detected using conventional staining techniques for the light microscope are revealed. It is suggested the new technique be applied instead of the scanning electron microscope when the limited resolution of the light microscope is sufficient.