LOW-TEMPERATURE SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY OF DOG AND GUINEA-PIG HYALINE ARTICULAR-CARTILAGE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 132  (MAR) , 267-282
Abstract
Application of low temperature scanning electron microscopy to the study of femoral condylar articular cartilage is described in beagle dogs and guinea pigs. Tissue was collected at -210.degree. (63.degree. K) and examined in the fully hydrated state. Satisfactory images were obtained from washed and from unwahsed cartilage surfaces. Value of coating with Au or Al was assessed and compared to the effects of examination in the uncoated state. The influence of excising cartilage from articular surfaces was tested by the examination of the whole guinea pig condyle. Secondary surface irregularities and tertiary elevations, closely resembling the patterns found previously by scanning electron microscopy of fixed dehydrated cartilage, were revealed. Tertiary surface features were principally elevations. Quaternary surface ridges were confined to excised blocks.