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Analysis of erythrocyte-mediated microinjection by backscattered electron imaging
Journal of Ultrastructure Research
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Chicken erythrocyte microinjection into BHK cells was visualized using electron imaging. The erythrocyte nucleus, stained for visibility, tracked the microinjection process, with some cells entering via phagocytosis.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Microscopy techniques
Background:
- Microinjection is a key technique for introducing substances into cells.
- Visualizing the microinjection process in real-time is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the process of chicken erythrocyte-mediated microinjection into cultured BHK cells.
- To utilize correlative secondary and backscattered electron imaging for visualizing microinjection dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Correlative secondary and backscattered electron imaging were employed.
- Chicken erythrocytes were used as carriers for microinjection into BHK cells.
- Uranyl acetate staining enhanced the visibility of the erythrocyte nucleus.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte ghosts initially bound to the surface of target BHK cells.
- Microinjection was completed within 2-4 hours, with erythrocyte nuclei observed in the cytoplasm.
- By 24 hours, internalized erythrocyte nuclei became less discernible via backscattered electron imaging.
- Some erythrocyte ghosts entered cells intact, suggesting phagocytosis as an alternative entry mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Correlative electron imaging effectively visualizes chicken erythrocyte-mediated microinjection.
- The study elucidates the kinetics and potential mechanisms of erythrocyte entry into BHK cells.
- Phagocytosis represents a significant pathway for intact erythrocyte ghost entry.