Mechanical manipulation with cells in vitro prior to fixation can have an adverse effect on cell surface appearance in the SEM

Abstract

AbstractRat Rous sarcoma cells of the W 12 line and cinemicrography were used to analyze the causes of the cell surface changes occurring during the manipulation of cultures prior to fixation for SEM examination. It is concluded that these changes are caused primarily by the increase in the availability of serum factors present in whole blood serum which could be brought about by the mechanical disturbance of the diffusion boundary layer. Mechanical irritation, cooling, and pH changes are only secondary causes. The possibilities of preventing these undesirable changes are discussed.