An intercellular network artefact in glycol methacrylate dehydrated neonatal cartilage

A striking network thought to consist of glycosaminoglycan in neonatal cartilage has recently been reported following glycol methacrylate (GMA) dehydration and embedding. This study attempted to learn why the network was not seen in other preparations previously reported. Comparative light and transmission electron microscopy of the network structures was carried out to determine their biological significance. We have shown the networks to be reproducible artefact, attained only following GMA dehydration of glutaraldehyde fixed neonatal cartilage.