Processing hair follicles for transmission electron microscopy

Exp Dermatol. 2022 Feb;31(2):110-121. doi: 10.1111/exd.14439. Epub 2021 Aug 14.

Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has greatly advanced our knowledge of hair growth and follicle morphogenesis, but complex preparations such as fixation, dehydration and embedding compromise ultrastructure. While recent developments with cryofixation have been shown to preserve the ultrastructure of biological materials close to native state, they do have limitations. This review will focus on each stage of the TEM sample preparation process and their effects on the structural integrity of follicles.

Keywords: TEM; fixation; hair follicle; ultrastructure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cryopreservation*
  • Hair Follicle*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Specimen Handling