Low temperature scanning electron microscope studies of mouse small intestine

Etched frozen hydrated specimens of mouse small intestine have been examined with low temperature scanning electron microscopy as a preliminary to X-ray microanalysis. Recognizable images have been obtained of most of the known histological features of the gut. Nuclear and cytoplasmic details were often seen. Ice crystal damage was evident, although the degree of artefact depended on the cell type being examined and also varied from cell to cell or within cells. The same specimens were later examined with resin light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These two techniques confirmed that preservation was adequate for identification of cells and tissues, although cavities were seen, representing ice crystal damage. These preliminary results indicate that SEM of etched, frozen, hydrated specimens provides adequate identification of cellular detail to allow further work using X-ray microanalysis to be carried out.