Observation of Colloidal Gold Labelled Platelet Surface Receptors and the Underlying Cytoskeleton Using High Voltage Electron Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Authors

R. M. Albrecht, University of Wisconsin
J. A. Oliver, University of Wisconsin
J. C. Loftus, University of Wisconsin

Abstract

Fibrinogen conjugated to colloidal gold or colloidal gold-monoclonal anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (fibrinogen receptor) was used to label the receptor on platelets. Whole mount preparations were examined by stereo pair high voltage electron microscopy and then by scanning electron microscopy to determine the feasibility of this approach in detecting the number of receptors and their location relative to the cytoskeletal and surface structure. Both the ligand-gold and antibody-gold labels were effective. The relative numbers of receptors could be seen and their relationship to cytoskeletal structure could be determined. Marked differences in receptor number and distribution were observed when platelets in different stages of activation were compared. In co-cultured macrophages and platelets, receptors were found exclusively on platelets or on pieces of platelet membrane adherent to macrophages.

Recommended Citation

Albrecht, R. M.; Oliver, J. A.; and Loftus, J. C. (1985) "Observation of Colloidal Gold Labelled Platelet Surface Receptors and the Underlying Cytoskeleton Using High Voltage Electron Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy," Scanning Electron Microscopy: Vol. 4: No. 1, Article 20.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/electron/vol4/iss1/20