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Cryosectioning Fixed and Cryoprotected Biological Material for Immunocytochemistry

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Electron Microscopy

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 369))

Abstract

Immunocytochemistry for transmission electron microscopy provides important information on the location and relative abundance of proteins inside cells. Gaining access to this information without extracting or disrupting the location of target proteins requires specialized preparation methods. Sectioning frozen blocks of chemically fixed and cryoprotected biological material is one method for obtaining immunocytochemical data. Once the cells or tissues are cut, the thawed cryosections can be labeled with specific antibodies and colloidal gold probes. They are then embedded in a thin film of plastic containing a contrasting agent. Subcellular morphology can be correlated with specific affinity labeling by examination in the transmission electron microscope. Modern technical advancements both in preparation protocols and equipment design make cryosectioning a routine and rapid approach for immunocytochemistry that may provide increased sensitivity for some antibodies.

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© 2007 Humana Press Inc.

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Webster, P., Webster, A. (2007). Cryosectioning Fixed and Cryoprotected Biological Material for Immunocytochemistry. In: Kuo, J. (eds) Electron Microscopy. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 369. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-294-6_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-294-6_13

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-573-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-294-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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