Morphometric analysis and topological organization of nuclear matrix in freeze-fractured electron microscopy

Exp Cell Res. 1986 Apr;163(2):349-62. doi: 10.1016/0014-4827(86)90066-2.

Abstract

The ultrastructural organization of nuclear matrix, purified from intact or membrane-denuded rat liver nuclei, has been analysed by means of freeze-fracturing technique. This method avoids dehydration and embedding which, in conventional thin sectioning, partly distort or mask the matrix ultrastructure. The various matrix components, and mainly the peripheral lamina and the inner network revealed complex arrangements undetectable with conventional techniques. Morphometric analyses performed with a Texture Analysis System (TAS) Leitz, allowed to obtain precise information on the matrix constituents, based on the histograms of their size distribution. These textural characteristics have been utilized in order to identify, by means of a particular computer programme, the putative matrix localization within intact freeze-fractured nuclei.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure*
  • Freeze Fracturing
  • Liver / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nuclear Envelope / ultrastructure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Software