Rapid primary microwave-glutaraldehyde fixation preserves the plasma membrane and intracellular structures of the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus

Microsc Res Tech. 1993 Jul 1;25(4):286-90. doi: 10.1002/jemt.1070250404.

Abstract

Tritrichomonas foetus, a pathogenic protozoan, was used as a model to analyse microwave-stimulated fixation as a procedure of preparation of biological samples for electron microscopy of thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Good preservation of the protozoan structure was achieved by microwave-stimulated fixation and Epon polymerization. The membrane structure, as visualized in freeze-fracture replicas, was well preserved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure*
  • Freeze Fracturing
  • Glutaral*
  • Microscopy, Electron / methods
  • Microwaves*
  • Tissue Fixation / methods*
  • Tissue Preservation*
  • Tritrichomonas foetus / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Glutaral