Comparison of methods of high-pressure freezing and automated freeze-substitution of suspension cells combined with LR White embedding

Histochem Cell Biol. 2010 Dec;134(6):631-41. doi: 10.1007/s00418-010-0757-z. Epub 2010 Nov 10.

Abstract

In this study we present an optimized method of high-pressure freezing and automated freeze-substitution of cultured human cells, followed by LR White embedding, for subsequent immunolabeling. Also, the influence of various conditions of the freeze-substitution procedures such as temperature, duration, and additives in the substitution medium on the preservation of cryo-immobilized cells was analyzed. The recommended approach combines (1) automated freeze-substitution for high reproducibility and minimizing human-derived errors; (2) minimal addition of contrasting and fixing agents; (3) easy-to-use LR White resin for embedment; (4) good preservation of nuclei and nucleoli which are usually the most difficult structures to effectively vitrify and saturate in a resin; and (5) preservation of antigens for sensitive immunogold labeling.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Freeze Substitution / methods*
  • Freezing*
  • HeLa Cells / ultrastructure
  • Histological Techniques / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Preservation, Biological / methods
  • Pressure
  • Tissue Embedding / methods*

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • LR white