A method for TEM visualization of the extracellular matrix three-dimensional organization in tissues

A method for obtaining high-resolution three-dimensional images of the extracellular matrix organization in tissues is described. It consists of TEM observation of rotary-shadowed platinum–carbon replicas obtained from critical-point dried resinless sections of polyethylene glycol-embedded specimens. The procedure is simple and rapid, with high rates of sample recovery. An example of its application to EM immunocytochemistry (fibronectin localization) is presented. The utilization of the method to demonstrate cell-extracellular matrix relationships, and its limitations in the study of cells are discussed.