Identification and study of the same cell in monolayer culture by different methods of light microscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Application for cryodamaged cells examination

Cells were cultivated on transparent conductive substrates, glass slides coated with indium oxide; individual cells were marked with a diamond indentor. Cell cultures were frozen (–15°C), thawed, and then stained with fluorescent dyes to determine cell damage. The marked cells were examined by phase contrast, fluorescence, and Nomarski DIC microscopy. After aldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixation, the cell preparations were sequentially treated with tannic acid, uranyl acetate, and lead citrate. The same marked cell could be sequentially studied by light microscopy (LM; in water immersion conditions), scanning electron microscopy (SEM; after dehydration and critical point drying), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM; after embedding of cell samples in epoxy resin and laser marking of the cell previously marked with a diamond indentor). The method used ensures good preservation of cell morphology, cell surface relief, and intracellular structures. The treatment used renders the cells conductive and permitted SEM of uncoated culture cells on conductive substrates.