Scanning electron microscopy of the lung

Abstract

We have examined the lungs of humans, baboons, pigs, and mice with a scanning electron microscope. The tissues were prepared in various ways, including formalin vapor fixation, freeze drying, and conventional methods of tissue processing for transmission electron microscopy. Glutaraldehyde fixed and alcohol dehydrated tissues presently appear to be the most satisfactory. Because of the large depth of focus, enormous ranges of magnification, and adjustable viewing angles of the scanning microscope, direct visualization of the three dimensional ultrastructure of the surfaces of the lung is possible. Coupled with, and also based on, the knowledge obtained with the transmission electron microscope, the scanning electron microscope opens up a new horizon in the field of pulmonary pathology.