High-resolution scanning electron microscopy of the surface of red blood cells.

Abstract

SUMMARYExamination of normal human red blood cells with a high (2.5 nm) resolution scanning electron microscope revealed a definite surface pattern. The pattern was slightly more pronounced in specimens dried in air after fixation than in those dried by the critical‐point method. There was a radial arrangement of filament like elevations at the periphery of the red cell and a more reticular pattern to wards the centre of the cell. The appearances probably represented a network of elenin fibres lying just under the surface of the red cell.