SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY OF SKIN WINDOW CELLS OF NORMAL SUBJECTS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 126  (MAY) , 157-167
Abstract
Surface appearances of cells in skin window preparations were studied in 22 normal subjects with scanning electron microscopy. With critical-point dried specimens, the cells showed a wealth of surface detail and no evidence of underlying nucleus or organelles. Neutrophils were characterized by delicate curved surface folds and variable numbers of fine filopodia. Macrophages were larger and usually covered with tightly-packed clusters of knob-like microvilli, their periphery showing many filopodia and broader projections. Some macrophage filopodia took origin from the free surface of the cell but ran to be attached to the coverslip for part of their extent (a fly-leg appearance) or became continuous with a filopodium of another cell. With slow-dried preparations, the cells were flattened and their nuclear outline appeared evident. This permitted quantitative analysis of differences between neutrophils and macrophages. The significance of these features was discussed in relation to the in vivo inflammatory response, cell contact with a glass surface and the possibility of changes being observed in disease states.