Exposure of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells for Analysis with the Scanning Electron Microscope

Authors

Bryan G. Miller, Indiana University School of Medicine
Andrew P. Evan, Indiana University School of Medicine
H. Glenn Bohlen, Indiana University School of Medicine

Abstract

There has been interest in using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the structure of tissues obscured by other cellular or non-cellular elements almost since the SEM was first used to examine biological tissues. Such interest includes the vessel wall and, in particular, the vascular smooth muscle cells. This paper presents a review of the three basic methodologies that have been employed to allow examination of the vascular smooth muscle, 1) blunt dissection, 2) digestion and 3) microdissection. Discussion of other perivascular elements was not a focus of this review. Also presented is the application of these different methodologies to different pathophysiologic conditions.

Recommended Citation

Miller, Bryan G.; Evan, Andrew P.; and Bohlen, H. Glenn (1987) "Exposure of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells for Analysis with the Scanning Electron Microscope," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 1: No. 3, Article 44.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol1/iss3/44