The fine structure of Entamoeba histolytica processed by cryo-fixation and cryo-substitution
González-Robles, A.; Martínez-Palomo, A.
Archives of Medical Research 23(2): 73-76
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0188-4409 PMID: 1340327 Document Number: 398528
When cryo-fixation, followed by cryo-substitution, was applied to study the fine structure of axenically cultured trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica, an improved preservation of cytoplasmic and nuclear components was found. The surface coat of the parasite appeared much thicker and uniform than in conventionally treated samples. The ground substance of the cytoplasm was packed with fibrogranular material, which is usually extracted by chemical fixation. The extremely fast fixation allows the visualization of fusion and/or fission processes of cytoplasmic vacuoles and vesicles. Nuclear microtubules and cytoplasmic microfilaments are clearly identified. Low-temperature techniques not only allow better preservation of cell structure, but will also facilitate immunoelectromicroscopical studies.