The response of cell walls of Bacillus subtilis to metals and to electron-microscopic stains

1978 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Beveridge
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Electron Scattering ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Ruthenium Red ◽  
Transition Elements ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Wall Ultrastructure

Purified cell walls of Bacillus subtilis were subjected to solutions of 40 independent metals and the metal uptake, the electron-scattering power of thin sections, and the type of staining response evaluated. This was repeated for six typical electron-microscopic stains (uranyl acetate, uranyl magnesium acetate, osmium tetroxide, Os-meth, osmium-dimethylethylenediamine, and ruthenium red) and one new staining reagent (a potassium platinum chloride – dimethylsulfoxide complex) whose specificity is for amine functions. The reaction of select metals can be specific in terms of both uptake and staining response. Of the metals studied most transition elements had a high affinity for the wall fabric and some (i.e., Sc III, most lanthanides, U IV, Zr IV, Hf IV, Fe III, Pd II, Ru III, and In III) may be suitable as contrasting agents for electron microscopy. Furthermore, when the thickness of metal-reacted walls was compared to freeze-each and ultracryotomy data, statistical-dimensional differences were commonly seen, which indicates that wall ultrastructure can be profoundly affected by the type of metal and (or) staining reagent.

The effect of chemical fixatives on cell walls of Bacillus subtilis

1978 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1439-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Beveridge ◽  
F. M. R. Williams ◽  
J. J. Koval
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Metal Binding ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Statistical Technique ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Fixation Time ◽  
Thin Sections

Cell walls of Bacillus subtilis were treated with several chemical fixatives which are commonly used preparatory to electron microscopy; i.e., osmium tetroxide, formaldehyde, acrolein, crotonaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde. Dimensional analysis was performed on thin sections of fixed walls from plastic embeddings and, by means of the statistical technique of multiple comparisons, significant differences were found between wall thicknesses from the various fixations. These differences varied with the fixation time and the type of fixative used in the reaction. When compared to embedded walls which had been stained before fixation, the overall effect was a reduction in wall thickness which was attributed to fixative action and not to the embedding or staining processes. The reduction of wall thickness was even more apparent when dimensions of fixed walls were compared to published dimensions of both frozen sections and freeze-etch profiles.Since these fixatives bind to reactive sites within the wall fabric, a change in electrochemical charge density is effected which can be monitored in terms of heavy-metal-binding capacity. Most monoaldehyde fixatives and osmium tetroxide render the wall as reactive, or less reactive, to uranyl acetate as unfixed walls, whereas glutaraldehyde can significantly increase the binding capacity.

An Electron Microscopic Investigation of the Pathogenesis of Hemorrhage Induced by Rattlesnake Venom

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 56-57
Author(s):  
Charlotte L. Ownby ◽  
Robert A. Kainer ◽  
Anthony T. Tu
Keyword(s):  
Phosphate Buffer ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Microscopic Investigation ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Electron Microscopic Investigation ◽  
Lead Citrate ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Rattlesnake Venom ◽  
Diamondback Rattlesnake

One of the significant changes induced by the injection of rattlesnake (Crotalidae) venom is hemorrhage. Since crotaline antivenin does not prevent such local tissue damage, a more effective treatment of snakebite is needed. To aid in the development of such a treatment the pathogenesis of venom-induced hemorrhae was investigated.Swiss-Webster white mice were injected intramuscularly with Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom. Two minutes after the injection, muscle tissue was obtained by bioosy from the thigh and fixed in 6% glutaraldehyde in Milloniq's phosphate buffer (DH 7.4, 2 hrs., 4°C). After post-fixation in 2% osmium tetroxide in Milloniq's phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 1hr., 4°C) the tissue was dehydrated routinely in ethanol and embedded in Epon 812. The thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate in methanol and lead citrate then observed with either a Zeiss EM 9A or an Hitachi HS-8 electron microscope.

Comparison of Three Common Fixatives on Bacteria

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 348-349
Author(s):  
J.M. Hanson ◽  
R.M. Pfister ◽  
R.A. Smucker
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Megaterium ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Ruthenium Red ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Internal Morphology ◽  
Cytoplasmic Membranes ◽  
Glutaraldehyde Solution ◽  
Background Material ◽  
Whole Mounts

The ultrastructure of the cytoplasmic membranes, cell walls, and mesosomes of Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium were found to be significantly affected by different fixation procedures.Logarithmic cells were divided into equal portions and different fixation procedures employed. A 6% glutaraldehyde solution followed by 1% 0s04 fixa-tion (1). The Ryter-Kellenberger (R-K) fixation (2) and Luft's ruthenium red (R-R) (3). The glutaraldehyde-OsO4 and R-K were post fixed with 2% and 0.5% uranyl acetate respectively. Thin sections were post stained with uranylacetate and lead citrate. One sub-portion of Bacillus megaterium was criti-cally-point dried. Glutaraldehyde-OsO4 critically-point dried whole mounts (Fig. 1) showed little background material and smooth walls. The R-K cells (Fig. 2) had irregular outer walls. The R-R cells (Fig. 3) were irregular and revealed external polysaccharide. There is a distinct difference in the internal morphology of the wall layers using the E. coli (Figs. 4,5,6). A heavier staining of the CM was observed in B. megaterium (Fig. 7).

Ultrastructural Characteristics of Vaginal Epithelium of Persistent Estrous Rats

1985 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 658-659
Author(s):  
Khosho Francis K. ◽  
Kaufmann Robert C. ◽  
Amankwah Kofi S.
Keyword(s):  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Ruthenium Red ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Constant Light ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Vaginal Smears ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Cacodylate Buffer ◽  
Ultrastructural Characteristics

Adult female rats exposed to constant light will develop anovulatory acyclicity characterized by persistent vaginal cornification (PE) and formation of multiple large cystic follicles on the ovaries. The purpose of the present communication is to describe the ultrastructural changes in vaginal epithelia in PE rats as compared to that in normal estrous rats.Persistent vaginal estrous with PCO was induced in a group of Sprague-Dawely rats by exposure to constant light for 50-150 days. Rats in normal estrous, as determined by vaginal smears, were used as controls. Nembutal- anethesized rats were perfused through the aorta with 2.5% gluteraldehyde in 1M sodium cacodylate buffer (pH 7.3). The mucosa of the vaginal folds just inferior to the cervix were dissected by microsurgery, postfixed, stained with 0.5% ruthenium red in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated, and embedded in polybed. Thick sections (1μ) were stained with toludine blue for light microscopy studies. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.

Ultrastructural aspects of the cell envelope of Legionella

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 220-221
Author(s):  
C.N. Sun ◽  
P. Morgan ◽  
W.R. Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Ruthenium Red ◽  
Ultrastructural Organization ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Legionnaires Disease

The causal agents of Legionnaires’ Disease and related respiratory ailments in humans are gram-negative rod-shaped bacterial species belonging to the newly recognized genus, Legionella. During a comparative study of the ultrastructural organization of the cell boundary in several species, additional information regarding the presence and nature of various appendages of the cell envelope in these bacteria was observed.Cultures of L. pneumophils (including several serogroups) and L. micdadei were grown on charcoal yeast extract agar with increased humidity at 37°C. Samples were removed after 5 days of growth and immediately fixed in either glutaraldehyde/ruthenium red (GA/RR) followed by osmium tetroxide/ruthenium red (OSO4/RR) or glutaraldehyde/tannic acid (GA/TA) followed by osmium tetroxide. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.

scholarly journals AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF NUCLEAR ELIMINATION FROM THE LATE ERYTHROBLAST

1967 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 625-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehud Skutelsky ◽  
David Danon
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Mitotic Division ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Lead Citrate ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Narrow Passage ◽  
Rounded Form

The process of expulsion of the nucleus during the transformation of the late erythroblast to reticulocyte is described. Erythroid clones taken from the spleen of lethally irradiated mice transplanted with syngeneic bone marrow were used. 10–12-day old isolated clones were fixed in glutaraldehyde, then in osmium tetroxide. Ultra-thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and/or lead citrate before examination. Late (orthochromatic) erythroblasts develop pseudopod-like cytoplasmic protrusions into one of which the nucleus gradually penetrates, being deformed by the extrusion through the relatively narrow passage. During the whole process, mitochondria and vesicular and membranous elements are concentrated in the cytoplasm. Once outside the cell, the nucleus reassumes its rounded form. It is surrounded by a narrow rim of cytoplasm and structurally altered plasma membrane and is connected to the rest of the cell by a bridge. Elongated vacuoles appear within this bridge, with a resulting release of the enveloped nucleus which is soon phagocytized by macrophages; this leaves behind the newly formed reticulocyte. During this process, the cytoplasmic protrusions, the agglomeration of mitochondria, and the mode of separation of the nucleus from the rest of the cell are similar to those occurring in mitotic division.

Membranous alterations in the cytoplasm and nucleus in a primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the brain

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 628-629
Author(s):  
C. N. Sun ◽  
C. Araoz ◽  
H. J. White
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Neuroectodermal Tumor ◽  
Annulate Lamellae ◽  
Lead Citrate ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
The Brain

The ultrastructure of a cerebral primitive neuroectodermal tumor has been reported previously. In the present case, we will present some unusual previously unreported membranous structures and alterations in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the tumor cells.Specimens were cut into small pieces about 1 mm3 and immediately fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer for two hours, then post-fixed in 1% buffered osmium tetroxide for one hour. After dehydration, tissues were embedded in Epon 812. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.In the cytoplasm of the tumor cells, we found paired cisternae (Fig. 1) and annulate lamellae (Fig. 2) noting that the annulate lamellae were sometimes associated with the outer nuclear envelope (Fig. 3). These membranous structures have been reported in other tumor cells. In our case, mitochondrial to nuclear envelope fusions were often noted (Fig. 4). Although this phenomenon was reported in an oncocytoma, their frequency in the present study is quite striking.

Cytoplasmic Invaginations in Trophoblasts and Epithelial Cells of Rat

1971 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 524-525
Author(s):  
Iracema M. Baccarini
Keyword(s):  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Nuclear Inclusions ◽  
Mucous Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Cervical Epithelium ◽  
Intact Membrane ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Abnormal Cells ◽  
Nuclear Features

Some morphological nuclear features (invaginations) in normal and abnormal cells have been described in several electron microscopic studies. They have been referred to by others as blebs, loops, pockets, sheets, bodies, nuclear inclusions and cytoplasmic invaginations. Identical appearing structures were found in cells of the uterine cervical epithelium, in trophoblasts of blastocysts and in trophoblasts of rat placenta.Methods. Uterine cervix (normal rats), rat placenta (9-10 days gestation) and blastocyst were placed in 3% glutarahdehyde for 3 hours. The tissue was washed in phosphate buffer for 24 hours, postfixed in 1%. buffered osmium tetroxide for 1-2 hours and embedded in epon araldite. Sections were double stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and viewed in E. M. Siemens 200.Observations. Nuclear invaginations were found in basal, parabasal and mucous cells of the cervix epithelium, in trophoblasts of blastocyst and in trophoblasts of placenta. An oval, round or elongated invagination contained heterogenously cytoplasm surrounded by a double intact membrane; usually several invaginations were found in the same nucleus.

Ultrastructure of myoepithelial cell in parotid gland

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 342-343
Author(s):  
C. N. Sun
Keyword(s):  
Parotid Gland ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Individual Cell ◽  
Branching Processes ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Myoepithelial Cells ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Gland Carcinoma ◽  
Parotid Gland Carcinoma

Myoepithelial cells have been observed in the prostate, harderian, apocrine, exocrine sweat and mammary glands. Such cells and their numerous branching processes form basket-like structures around the glandular acini. Their shapes are quite different from structures seen either in spindleshaped smooth muscle cells or skeletal muscle cells. These myoepithelial cells lie on the epithelial side of the basement membrane in the glands. This presentation describes the ultrastructure of such myoepithelial cells which have been found also in the parotid gland carcinoma from a 45-year old patient.Specimens were cut into small pieces about 1 mm3 and immediately fixed in 4 percent glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer for two hours, then post-fixed in 1 percent buffered osmium tetroxide for 1 hour. After dehydration, tissues were embedded in Epon 812. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Ultrastructurally, the pattern of each individual cell showed wide variations.

Electron Microscopic Examination of a Transplantable Rat Mammary Carcinoma

1968 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 20-21
Author(s):  
S. Shirahama ◽  
G. C. Engle ◽  
R. M. Dutcher
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Undifferentiated Carcinoma ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
North West ◽  
X Irradiation ◽  
Tissue Specimens

A transplantable carcinoma was established in North West Sprague Dawley (NWSD) rats by use of X-irradiation by Engle and Spencer. The tumor was passaged through 63 generations over a period of 32 months. The original tumor, an adenocarcinoma, changed into an undifferentiated carcinoma following the 19th transplant. The tumor grew well in NWSD rats of either sex at various ages. It was invariably fatal, causing death of the host within 15 to 35 days following transplantation.Tumor, thymus, spleen, and plasma from 7 rats receiving transplants of tumor at 3 to 9 weeks of age were examined with an electron microscope at intervals of 8, 15, 22 and 30 days after transplantation. Four normal control rats of the same age were also examined. The tissues were fixed in glutaraldehyde, postfixed in osmium tetroxide and embedded in Epon. The plasma was separated from heparanized blood and processed as previously described for the tissue specimens. Sections were stained with uranyl acetate followed by lead citrate and examined with an RCA EMU-3G electron microscope.

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