ISSN:
1573-8221
Keywords:
epidermis
;
freezing of tissues
;
cell ultrastructure
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Samples of skin from middle-aged and old persons, taken at operation, were either frozen to −35°C for 24 h in a deep-freezer or repeatedly frozen and thawed on a freezing microtome at −70°C. Electron-microscopic examination of the samples showed dilatation of the intercellular spaces, destruction of the cell membranes, homogenization of the tonofibrils, a decrease in volume of the mitochondria, and partial destruction of their internal structure. The cell nuclei were particularly visibly injured chiefly in the upper layers of the epidermis, for the nuclear membrane was ruptured and masses of structureless nucleoproteins were liberated into the cytoplasm. Destruction and fragmentation of the cytoplasm and nuclear membrane were accompanied by the formation of myelin-like structures. Freezing to −70°C caused more severe changes in the fine structure of the epidermal cells with the formation of multiple empty spaces, evidently caused by ice crystals.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00804949
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