ISSN:
1059-910X
Keywords:
Scanning electron microscopy
;
Ultrastructure
;
Zona pellucida
;
Mucus
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Natural Sciences in General
Notes:
The fine structure of the zona pellucida (ZP) covering the oocyte and of the mucus covering the surface of the intestinal villi was investigated by using a new method employing ruthenium red (RR), saponin, and osmium-thiocarbohydrazide impregnation.The glycoproteic matrices both appeared constituted by thin filaments (ranging from 22 to 50 nm in thickness) anastomosed to form a very fine network.RR prevented the dissolution and/or alteration of glycoproteins and polyanionic carbohydrates induced by acqueous fixatives. Saponin was a detergent of the soluble proteins. Osmium-thiocarbohydrazide preserved the glycoproteic matrix filaments from the mechanical stress induced by dehydration and critical point drying and reduced filaments packing and shrinkage. The technical improvement was demonstrated by the following results: 1) a regular arrangement of the filaments network; 2) a thickness of mucus filaments smaller than that obtained with other methods of preparation; 3) a homogeneous thickness of ZP filaments.This method allowed a very detailed study of the fine structural organization of the ZP and intestinal mucus. Therefore, this technique can be useful for a better evaluation of the morphodynamic of these and other glycoproteic matrices. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
4 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jemt.1070230305
Permalink
