IVEM and SEM images of whole cells cultured on EHS matrix (Matrigel)

Abstract

To investigate the interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM), rat lung fibroblasts (RLF) were cultured on an ECM extracted from EHS sarcoma to serve as an in vitro morphogenic model system. Surface features of RLF/EHS matrix interactions were viewed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the intermediate voltage electron microscope (IVEM).For SEM, RLF were plated on EHS coated 13 mm glass coverslips at a density of 1 X 104/cm2. Coverslips were coated by spreading 25 μl of chilled EHS matrix (15 mg/ml) on the coverslip and incubating at 37° for 60 min. For IVEM, formvar coated gold grids were submerged in EHS matrix prior to polymerization. Controls consisted of cells grown on glass or gold grids minus ECM.