Electron microscope studies on the intestine using ruthenium red.

Abstract

Biopsy specimens of human intestines in various disease states and from laboratory animal intestines have been stained with ruthenium red and inspected by electron microscopy. Ruthenium red reaction product is found as a homogeneous deposit and also in the form of coarse and fine granules. Microvilli and the glycocalyx are stained relatively constant by ruthenium red. The intercellular space of the epithelium shows a strikingly variable ruthenium red staining. This variation is apparently not related to the method but indicates differences or variations in the functional state of the membranes. It remains an open question whether the ruthenium red reaction is a histochemical reaction, marking certain substances present in in the intercellular area or whether it should be considered as a tracer for the transport of materials. Goblet cells and necrobiotic cells usually show a constant ruthenium red staining. In the lamina propria the reaction product is very inconstant, possibly on account of the long penetration path from the lumen. The phagolysosomes of macrophages are marked by ruthenium red rather regularly. No fundamental, but only quantitative differences have been found between the various kinds of tissue studied.