Demonstration of intracellular structures by high resolution scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

Three dimensional structure of intracellular elements were observed by the Osmium-DMSO-Osmium method and by a field emission SEM equipped with a high resolution device. (1) Rough endoplasmic reticulum: Their cisternae were closely opposed to form a lamellar system of flat cavities and they were supported at regular interval by fine thread-like structures. They were also connected to the cell membrane with similar threads. (2) Golgi complex: The Golgi cisternae of the serous cell of rat submandibular gland showed a bell-shape fitting one above another. The most characteristic structure of this Golgi complex was its foot-like tubuli which projected to all sides from the periphery of the cisternae. (3) Synaptic vesicles: The synaptic vesicles of rat retina were observed at the direct magnification from 100,000 to 200,000 fold with the field emission SEM. The vesicles ranged from 30 to 50 nm in diameter, and their shapes were also various, such as spherical, cocoon-like and kidney-shape. The synaptic vesicles were studded with several granules, about 10 nm in diameter. In addition, the fine structure of mitochondria and centrioles were examined.