Low temperature scanning electron microscope studies of mouse small intestine

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Abstract
Etched frozen hydrated specimens of mouse small intestine were examined with low temperature scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as a preliminary to X-ray microanalysis. Recognizable images were obtained of most of the known histological features of the gut. Nuclear and cytoplasmic details were often seen. Ice crystal damage was evident, although the degree of artifact depended on the cell type being examined and also varied from cell to cell or within cells. The same specimens were later examined with resin light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These 2 techniques confirmed that preservation was adequate for identification of cells and tissues, although cavities were seen, representing ice crystal damage. SEM of etched, frozen, hydrated specimens provides adequate identification of cellular detail to allow further work using X-ray microanalysis to be carried out.