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Light microscopic visualization of colloidal gold on resin-embedded tissue
Summary
This study introduces a new method to visualize gold-labeled substances using light microscopy. The technique enhances visibility of gold markers in tissue sections, aiding microscopic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microscopy
- Histology
Background:
- Colloidal gold and silver are common markers in electron microscopy.
- Visualizing these markers at the light microscopic level is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a technique for light microscopic localization of gold-labeled substances.
- To adapt existing electron microscopy marker techniques for light microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Ribonuclease (RNase) was labeled with colloidal gold.
- Semithin resin-embedded tissue sections were treated with the gold-enzyme complex.
- Sections were developed using a photographic developer with silver lactate to amplify gold particles.
Main Results:
- Gold particles were encapsulated in silver shells, becoming visible under light microscopy.
- The amplification method successfully visualized gold-labeled RNase in tissue sections.
- The technique is applicable to various sample preparations, including paraffin and frozen sections.
Conclusions:
- A novel amplification method enables light microscopic visualization of gold-labeled substances.
- This technique supplements electron microscopy by allowing light microscopic observation of gold and silver markers.
- The method enhances the utility of colloidal gold and silver in biological research.
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01:18Imaging Biological Samples with Optical Microscopy
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In optical microscopy, the specimen to be viewed is placed on a glass slide and clipped on the stage...
In optical microscopy, the specimen to be viewed is placed on a glass slide and clipped on the stage...
01:03Fixation and Sectioning
Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
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