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Artefacts in electron microscopy: ultrastructural features of chrysiasis
G A Culora1, N Barnett, J M Theaker
1Department of Histopathology, Southampton General Hospital, U.K.
The Journal of Pathology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Chrysiasis, a condition caused by gold deposits, shows distinct ultrastructural changes in aurosomes. Osmium and uranyl acetate staining reveal characteristic star-like formations in gold deposits, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Electron Microscopy
- Materials Science
- Pathology
Background:
- Chrysiasis results from gold deposition in tissues.
- Aurosomes are intracellular structures containing gold deposits.
- Ultrastructural analysis is crucial for understanding chrysiasis morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural characteristics of aurosomes in chrysiasis.
- To determine the effect of osmium and uranyl acetate staining on aurosome appearance.
- To identify diagnostic ultrastructural markers for chrysiasis.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural examination of eleven chrysiasis cases.
- Electron probe microanalysis of tissue samples.
- Comparison of samples with and without osmium and uranyl acetate staining.
Main Results:
- Significant morphological differences in aurosomes were observed between stained and unstained samples.
- Untreated samples showed finely granular, linear gold deposits.
- Osmium and uranyl acetate staining resulted in electron-dense, star-like formations within aurosomes.
Conclusions:
- Osmium and uranyl acetate staining alter the ultrastructural appearance of aurosomes.
- Star-like formations in aurosomes are an artifact of staining but can serve as a diagnostic feature.
- This study enhances understanding of chrysiasis ultrastructure and diagnostic methods.