A rapid and simple technique for correlating light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy of fixed tissues in Epon blocks.

Abstract

A simplified and standardized technique for close correlation between light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is described. Perfusion and immersion fixed tissue specimens were embedded in Epon 812 and cut for conventional LM and TEM. The Epon blocks with remaining tissue were thereafter treated with epoxy solvent (ethanol-NaOH solution) for partial epoxy resin removal only (dissolving rate approx 33 microns/h). The blocks with partially blotted tissue specimens were then critically point dried and gold coated for SEM. This method, in an easy way, allows repeated observations with LM, TEM and SEM with preserved fine structure and exact correlation. Since the technique is so simple and there is no need for special equipment the method can easily be adopted in all laboratories with basic SEM standards.