Observation of Megakaryocyte and Dendritic Cells in Liquid Using Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscope (ASEM)

Chikara Sato, Yohei Watanabe, Yuusuke Maruyama, Mari Sato, Masayuki Yamamoto, Noriko M Tsuji and Hozumi Motohashi

Abstract: Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscope (ASEM) allows in situ correlative light and electron microscopy of samples in liquid in an open atmospheric environment. Primary cells are cultured in a few milliliters of medium directly in the ASEM dish, which can be coated and transferred to an incubator as required. Megakaryocytes secreting proplatelets were captured, and P-selectins with adherence activity were localized to some of the granules on microtubules present by immuno-ASEM. The phagocytosis of lactic acid bacteria by dendritic cells was also imaged.

Key words: Immuno-EM, megakaryocyte, platelet, dendritic cell, microtubule