Optimizing the reaction temperature to facilitate an efficient osmium maceration procedure.

The osmium maceration method is a powerful technique for observing the three-dimensional ultrastructure of cellular organelles by scanning electron microscopy. In the conventional osmium maceration method, tissues are immersed in a diluted osmium tetroxide solution for several days at 20°C to remove soluble cytosolic proteins from the freeze-cracked surface of cells, and the optimal duration of this process is dependent on the cell type. To improve the efficiency of the osmium maceration procedure, we have examined systematically the relationship between the reaction temperature and time of the osmium maceration procedure. Treatment at temperatures higher than 20°C drastically shortened the time required to remove cytosolic proteins from the freeze-cracked surface of specimens with optimal durations for the osmium maceration of hepatocytes at 30, 40, 50 and 60°C being 30, 15, 5 and 1 h, respectively. Considering the stability and reproducibility of the macerated specimens, we concluded that the most appropriate temperature was 30 to 40°C. This rapid osmium maceration procedure was used successfully to observe the 3D ultrastructure of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and proximal convoluted tubule cells in the kidney. This simple and reproducible rapid osmium maceration protocol should find wide appeal for the 3D analysis of cellular organelles in various cell types.

Visualization of cytoplasmic organelles via in-resin CLEM using an osmium-resistant far-red protein.

Post-fixation with osmium tetroxide staining and the embedding of Epon are robust and essential treatments that are used to preserve and visualize intracellular membranous structures during electron microscopic analyses. These treatments, however, can significantly diminish the fluorescent intensity of most fluorescent proteins in cells, which creates an obstacle for the in-resin correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM) of Epon-embedded cells. In this study, we used a far-red fluorescent protein that retains fluorescence after osmium staining and Epon embedding to perform an in-resin CLEM of Epon-embedded samples. The fluorescence of this protein was detected in 100 nm thin sections of the cells in Epon-embedded samples after fixation with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and post-fixation with 1% osmium tetroxide. We performed in-resin CLEM of the mitochondria in Epon-embedded cells using a mitochondria-localized fluorescent protein. Using this protein, we achieved in-resin CLEM of the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum in thin sections of the cells in Epon-embedded samples. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of a far-red fluorescent protein retains its fluorescence after osmium staining and Epon-embedding, and it represents the first achievement of in-resin CLEM of both the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum in Epon-embedded samples.

2D and 3D immunogold localization on (epoxy) ultrathin sections with and without osmium tetroxide.

For nearly 50 years immunogold labeling on ultrathin sections has been successfully used for protein localization in laboratories worldwide. In theory and in practice, this method has undergone continual improvement over time. In this study, we carefully analyzed circulating protocols for postembedding labeling to find out if they are still valid under modern laboratory conditions, and in addition, we tested unconventional protocols. For this, we investigated immunolabeling of Epon-embedded cells, immunolabeling of cells treated with osmium, and the binding behavior of differently sized gold particles. Here we show that (in contrast to widespread belief) immunolabeling of Epon-embedded cells and of cells treated with osmium tetroxide is actually working. Furthermore, we established a "speed protocol" for immunolabeling by reducing antibody incubation times. Finally, we present our results on three-dimensional immunogold labeling.

Chiral Os(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as Enantioselective Nuclear DNA Imaging Agents Especially Suitable for Correlative High-Resolution Light and Electron Microscopy Studies.

The high-resolution technique transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with OsO4 as the traditional fixative, is an essential tool for cell biology and medicine. Although OsO4 has been extensively used, it is far from perfect because of its high volatility and toxicity. Os(II) polypyridyl complexes like [Os(phen)2(dppz)]2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; dppz = dipyridophenazine) are not only the well-known molecular DNA "light-switches" but also the potential ideal candidates for TEM studies. Here, we report that the cell-impermeable cationic [Os(phen)2(dppz)]2+ can be preferentially delivered into the live-cell nucleus through ion-pairing with chlorophenolate counter-anions, where it functions as an unparalleled enantioselective nuclear DNA imaging reagent especially suitable for correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) studies in both living and fixed cells, which can clearly visualize chromosome aggregation and decondensation during mitosis simultaneously. We propose that the chiral Os(II) polypyridyl complexes can be used as a distinctive group of enantioselective high-resolution CLEM imaging probes for live-cell nuclear DNA studies.

mEosEM withstands osmium staining and Epon embedding for super-resolution CLEM.

Super-resolution correlative light and electron microscopy (SR-CLEM) is a powerful approach for imaging specific molecules at the nanoscale in the context of the cellular ultrastructure. Epon epoxy resin embedding offers advantages for SR-CLEM, including ultrastructural preservation and high quality sectioning. However, Epon embedding eliminates fluorescence from most fluorescent proteins. We describe a photocontrollable fluorescent protein, mEosEM, that can survive Epon embedding after osmium tetroxide (OsO4) treatment for improved SR-CLEM.

An adaptation of Twort's method for polychromatic staining of epoxy-embedded semithin sections.

Epoxy-embedded semithin sections are useful for the analysis of cell and tissue organization, as well as for the processing of samples for transmission electron microscopy. Because only a very limited number of staining protocols have been developed for epoxy-embedded sections; semithin sections are used infrequently compared to conventional paraffin sections. Here, we describe a simple and reproducible polychromatic protocol for the routine staining of epoxy-embedded semithin sections by adapting Twort's staining method (mixture of neutral red and fast green FCF). The method can be used for the visualization of cellular organization as well as for the detection of elastic and collagen fibers. The proposed protocol demonstrated the best results for samples fixed for transmission electron microscopy, which suggests, as we demonstrated here, that this staining protocol can also be used for correlative light and electron microscopy.

Use of ionic liquid for X-ray micro-CT specimen preparation of imbibed seeds.

X-ray micro-CT is one of the most useful techniques to examine 3D cellular architecture inside dry seeds. However, the examination of imbibed seeds is difficult because immersion in water causes a decline in the image quality. Here, we examined the use of ionic liquids for specimen preparation of chemically fixed imbibed seeds of Arabidopsis. We found that treatment with high concentrations of ionic liquids after osmium tetroxide fixation helped not only to prevent the structural damage caused by seed shrinkage, but also to preserve the image quality. Under these conditions, the cellular architecture of seeds was also well maintained.

Improved Electron Microscopy Fixation Methods for Tracking Autophagy-Associated Membranes in Cultured Mammalian Cells.

Autophagy-related organelles, including omegasomes, isolation membranes (or phagophores), autophagosomes, and autolysosomes, are characterized by dynamic changes in lipid membranes including morphology as well as their associated proteins. Therefore, it is critical to define and track membranous elements for identification and detailed morphological analyses of these organelles. However, it is often difficult to clearly observe these organelles with good morphology in conventional electron microscopy (EM), thus hampering 3D analyses and correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM). Here, we focus on describing fixation procedures using (1) ferrocyanide-reduced osmium for CLEM and (2) aldehyde/OsO4 mixture for detecting omegasome structures and isolation membrane-associated tubules (IMATs). These methods can be easily applied to cultured mammalian cells for conventional and cutting-edge EM analyses, leading to a better understanding of ultrastructural details in autophagosome formation.

Primary cultured neuronal networks and type 2 diabetes model mouse fatty liver tissues in aqueous liquid observed by atmospheric SEM (ASEM): Staining preferences of metal solutions.

Neural networking, including axon targeting and synapse formation, is the basis of various brain functions, including memory and learning. Diabetes-mellitus affects peripheral nerves and is known to cause fatty liver disease. Electron microscopy (EM) provides the resolution required to observe changes in fine subcellular structures caused by such physiological and pathological processes, but samples are observed in vacuum. Environmental capsule EM can directly observe cells in a more natural aqueous environment, but the size-limited capsules restrict cell culturability. The recently developed atmospheric scanning electron microscope (ASEM) has an open, 35 mm sample dish, allowing the culture of primary cells, including neurons, on the electron-transparent film window fabricated in its base. The system's inverted scanning electron microscope observes aldehyde-fixed cells or tissues from below through the silicon nitride film; the optical microscope located above allows direct correlation of fluorescence labeling. To observe fixed biological samples, damage due to low dose electron radiation is minimized in three ways. First, knock on damage that pushes out atoms is decreased by the low accelerating voltage of 10-30 kV. Second, increased radical generation due to the decreased acceleration voltage is countered by the addition of a radical scavenger, glucose or ascorbic acid, to the sample solution. Third, the large volume (max. 2 ml) of aqueous buffer surrounding the sample has a high specific heat capacity, minimizing the temperature increase caused by irradiation. Using ASEM, we have developed protocols for heavy metal staining in solution to selectively visualize intracellular structures. Various EM staining methods served as a starting point. Uranyl acetate preferably stains proteins and nucleic acid, and prior tannic acid treatment enhances membranes. Osmium tetroxide is suggested to enhance lipids, especially oil droplets. Imaging primary-culture neurons stained with platinum blue or uranyl acetate revealed growth cones, synapses, and 50-500 nm spines, together with neurite backbones and their associated structures. Correlative microscopy with immuno-fluorescence labeling suggested that these were mainly microtubule associated objects; some showed signs of a fission process and were, thus, possibly mitochondria. Liver tissue excised from the ob/ob type 2 diabetes model mouse, was stained with osmium tetroxide and observed using ASEM. Swollen bright balls occupied a large area of the cytoplasm and could be distinguished from vacuoles, suggesting that they are oil droplets. In some of the images, oil-like droplets were pressing surrounding structures, including sinusoids, significant for blood circulation in the liver. Based on these studies, ASEM combined with metal staining methods promises to allow the study of various mesoscopic-scale phenomena of cells and tissues immersed in natural aqueous environment in the near future. The quick nature of ASEM could facilitate not only the precise imaging for neuroscience but also the diagnosis of fatty liver disease and related diseases.

Gemcitabine analogues with 4-N-alkyl chain modified with fluoromethyl ketone group.

Gemcitabine analogues with a lipophilic 4-N-alkyl chain bearing a terminal ß-keto sulfonate moiety suitable for fluorination compatible with 18F-radiolabeling have been explored. Displacement of p-toluenesulfonylamino in protected 4-N-tosylgemcitabine with 1-amino-10-undecene gave 4-N-(10-undecenyl)-3',5'-di-O-benzoyl-2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluorocytidine. Oxidation of the terminal double bond in the latter with OsO4/NMO afforded 4-N-(10,11-dihydroxyundecanyl) derivative. Regioselective sulfonation of primary hydroxyl followed by oxidation of secondary hydroxyl with Collin's reagent yielded desired ß-keto sulfonate analogues 8 or 9. Subsequent displacement of the mesylate or tosylate group with KF in the presence of Kryptofix 2.2.2. or 18-crown-6 ether followed by deprotection with NH3/MeOH gave 4-N-(11-fluoro-10-oxoundecanyl)-2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluorocytidine 11.

The Ultrastructure, Spatial Distribution, and Osmium Tetroxide Binding of Lipofuscin and Melanosomes in Aging Monkey Retinal Epithelium.

PURPOSE: To examine the ultrastructure of lipofuscin bodies and melanosomes in retinal epithelium of elderly rhesus monkeys and determines changes in their number and morphology as a function of retinal eccentricity. METHODS: Electron microscopy was used to describe and quantify two major organelles in elderly monkey retinal epithelium, lipofuscin bodies and melanosomes, at different retinal loci extending from the macula to the peri-macula, equator, periphery and ora serrata. Osmium tetroxide was used to distinguish lipofuscin bodies from melanosomes. RESULTS: Lipofuscin bodies and melanosomes diminished in number with advanced age but there was an inverse relationship between these two organelles. Lipofuscin bodies were more numerous in the macula and melanosomes more numerous in the peripheral retina. Three types of lipofuscin bodies were identified: 1) smaller and tending to locate in the middle third of the epithelial cell, 2) larger, less common, and located more basally, and 3) extremely rare, melano-lipofuscin, containing a melanosome. When osmicated, all lipofuscin bodies contained electron dense materials. When osmium tetroxide was not used for fixation, the first two types of lipofuscin bodies lost their electron densities while the third type retained its electron density due to the melanosome it contained. CONCLUSION: As previously reported for human retina, lipofuscin is most abundant in the macular and peri-macular epithelium and least abundant in the periphery, whereas melanosomes show the opposite relationship. This distribution pattern could contribute to the macula's greater vulnerability to photo-toxicity. Three types of lipofuscin bodies are found in aging monkey retinal epithelium. All types contain electron dense material, but the most prominent two types lose their densities in the absence of osmium tetroxide during fixation. Most of the electron densities in lipofuscin bodies must contain a material that binds strongly to osmium tetroxide such as polyunsaturated fatty acids.

A Novel microCT Method for Bone and Marrow Adipose Tissue Alignment Identifies Key Differences Between Mandible and Tibia in Rats.

Bone homeostasis is influenced by the bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT). BMAT distribution varies from one anatomical location in the skeleton to another. We developed an advanced microfocus computed tomography imaging and analysis protocol that allows accurate alignment of both the BMAT distribution and bone micro-architecture as well as calculation of the distance of the BMAT adipocytes from the bone surface. Using this protocol, we detected a different spatial BMAT distribution between the rat tibia and mandible: in the proximal metaphysis of the tibia a large amount of BMAT (~ 20% of the total BMAT) was located close to the bone surface (< 20 µm), whereas in the alveolar ridge ~ 30% of the total BMAT was located between 40 and 60 µm from the bone surface. In the alveolar ridge of rats, the trabecular bone volume was 48.3% higher compared to the proximal metaphysis of the tibia (p < 0.0001) and the percentage of adiposity determined to the relative marrow volume was lower (1.5%) compared to the proximal metaphysis of the tibia (9%, p = 0.0002). Interestingly, in the tibia a negative correlation was found between the percentage of adiposity in the total volume and the trabecular thickness (r =- 0.74, p = 0.037). The present study highlights that in comparison to tibial proximal metaphysis, the mandibular bone exhibits a massive trabecular network and a low BMAT content with almost no contact with the bone surface. These findings are of great interest because of the importance of the fat-bone interaction and its potential relevance to several resorptive bone diseases.

Visualization of porcine eye anatomy by X-ray microtomography.

The aim of our study is to obtain, as accurately as possible, porcine ocular tissue visualization using microtomography (micro-CT) method. We propose image contrast enhancement by different staining procedures with combination of micro-CT scanning. Porcine eye globes were investigated with Bruker-SkyScan 1172 micro-CT. We used 4F1G and Bouin's as sample fixation solutions and tincture of iodine, 100% Lugol, phosphotungstic acid and 1% osmium tetroxide solutions for staining. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed based on micro-CT reconstruction images histograms and 3D volume rendering models of investigated samples. This investigation showed that staining methods improved micro-CT image quality in case of ocular anatomy visualization. Characteristic profiles of the grey level distributions and quality of the cross-section and 3D volume rendering images confirmed the staining effect. Most significant contrast enhancement was obtained after 96 h staining in osmium tetroxide and Lugol solutions. The images of eye anatomical structures were characterized: cornea, lens, iris, ciliary body, vitreous, retina, choroid and sclera, vasculature and optic nerve. Staining of porcine eye globes used in this work leads to quality improvement of the micro-CT imaging. The most contrast images were obtained for Lugol and osmium tetroxide solutions. Different affinity of staining solutions to eye anatomical structures has been observed in the obtained images. Osmium tetroxide provides sharper image of conjunctiva, sclera, choroid, retina, iris and ciliary body structure. Lugol staining leads to more accurate vessels, cornea and optic nerve imagining.

Rapid preparation of adherent mammalian cells for basic scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.

Sample preparation for scanning electron microscope analysis involves reagents and equipment that are expensive and often hazardous. Here we demonstrate a circumvention of Osmium tetroxide and critical point drying, greatly reducing the duration, complexity and cost of the process. We captured early stage interactions of invasive-bacteria and HeLa cells during the process of bacteria-mediated gene delivery and illustrate sufficient clarity can be obtained using this procedure to preserve and clearly visualize relevant cellular structures. This protocol is significantly cheaper and easier to adapt compared to conventional methods, and will allow routine preparation/viewing of eukaryotic or bacterial samples for basic morphological studies.

Osmium tetroxide as a probe of RNA structure.

Structured RNAs have a central role in cellular function. The capability of structured RNAs to adopt fixed architectural structures or undergo dynamic conformational changes contributes to their diverse role in the regulation of gene expression. Although numerous biophysical and biochemical tools have been developed to study structured RNAs, there is a continuing need for the development of new methods for the investigation of RNA structures, especially methods that allow RNA structure to be studied in solution close to its native cellular conditions. Here we use osmium tetroxide (OsO4) as a chemical probe of RNA structure. In this method, we have used fluorescence-based sequencing technologies to detect OsO4 modified RNA. We characterized the requirements for OsO4 modification of RNA by investigating three known structured RNAs: the M-box, glycine riboswitch RNAs, and tRNAasp Our results show that OsO4 predominantly modifies RNA at uracils that are conformationally exposed on the surface of the RNA. We also show that changes in OsO4 reactivity at flexible positions in the RNA correlate with ligand-driven conformational changes in the RNA structure. Osmium tetroxide modification of RNA will provide insights into the structural features of RNAs that are relevant to their underlying biological functions.

Xylem Surfactants Introduce a New Element to the Cohesion-Tension Theory.

Vascular plants transport water under negative pressure without constantly creating gas bubbles that would disable their hydraulic systems. Attempts to replicate this feat in artificial systems almost invariably result in bubble formation, except under highly controlled conditions with pure water and only hydrophilic surfaces present. In theory, conditions in the xylem should favor bubble nucleation even more: there are millions of conduits with at least some hydrophobic surfaces, and xylem sap is saturated or sometimes supersaturated with atmospheric gas and may contain surface-active molecules that can lower surface tension. So how do plants transport water under negative pressure? Here, we show that angiosperm xylem contains abundant hydrophobic surfaces as well as insoluble lipid surfactants, including phospholipids, and proteins, a composition similar to pulmonary surfactants. Lipid surfactants were found in xylem sap and as nanoparticles under transmission electron microscopy in pores of intervessel pit membranes and deposited on vessel wall surfaces. Nanoparticles observed in xylem sap via nanoparticle-tracking analysis included surfactant-coated nanobubbles when examined by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Based on their fracture behavior, this technique is able to distinguish between dense-core particles, liquid-filled, bilayer-coated vesicles/liposomes, and gas-filled bubbles. Xylem surfactants showed strong surface activity that reduces surface tension to low values when concentrated as they are in pit membrane pores. We hypothesize that xylem surfactants support water transport under negative pressure as explained by the cohesion-tension theory by coating hydrophobic surfaces and nanobubbles, thereby keeping the latter below the critical size at which bubbles would expand to form embolisms.

Cell size assays for mass cytometry.

Mass cytometry offers the advantage of allowing the simultaneous measurement of a greater number parameters than conventional flow cytometry. However, to date, mass cytometry has lacked a reliable alternative to the light scatter properties that are commonly used as a cell size metric in flow cytometry (forward scatter intensity-FSC). Here, we report the development of two plasma membrane staining assays to evaluate mammalian cell size in mass cytometry experiments. One is based on wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining and the other on Osmium tetroxide (OsO4 ) staining, both of which have preferential affinity for cell membranes. We first perform imaging and flow cytometry experiments to establish a relationship between WGA staining intensity and traditional measures of cell size. We then incorporate WGA staining in mass cytometry analysis of human whole blood and show that WGA staining intensity has reproducible patterns within and across immune cell subsets that have distinct cell sizes. Lastly, we stain PBMCs or dissociated lung tissue with both WGA and OsO4 ; mass cytometry analysis demonstrates that the two staining intensities correlate well with one another. We conclude that both WGA and OsO4 may be used to acquire cell size-related parameters in mass cytometry experiments, and expect these stains to be broadly useful in expanding the range of parameters that can be measured in mass cytometry experiments. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Enhanced multiplexing in mass cytometry using osmium and ruthenium tetroxide species.

Mass cytometry facilitates high-dimensional, quantitative, single-cell analysis. The method for sample multiplexing in mass cytometry, called mass-tag cellular barcoding (MCB), relies on the covalent reaction of bifunctional metal chelators with intracellular proteins. Here, we describe the use of osmium and ruthenium tetroxides (OsO4 and RuO4 ) that bind covalently with fatty acids in the cellular membranes and aromatic amino acids in proteins. Both OsO4 and RuO4 rapidly reacted and allowed for MCB with live cells, crosslinked cells, and permeabilized cells. Given the covalent nature of the labeling reaction, isotope leaching was not observed. OsO4 and RuO4 were used in a 20-sample barcoding protocol together with palladium isotopes. As mass channels occupied by osmium and ruthenium are not used for antibody detection the number of masses effectively utilized in a single experiment is expanded. OsO4 and RuO4 can therefore be used as MCB reagents for a wide range of mass cytometry workflows. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Distribution of coniferin in differentiating normal and compression woods using MALDI mass spectrometric imaging coupled with osmium tetroxide vapor treatment.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-MSI) was employed to detect monolignol glucosides in differentiating normal and compression woods of two Japanese softwoods, Chamaecyparis obtusa and Cryptomeria japonica Comparison of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry collision-induced dissociation fragmentation analysis and structural time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF CID-FAST) spectra between coniferin and differentiating xylem also confirmed the presence of coniferin in differentiating xylem. However, as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and MALDI-TOF CID-FAST spectra of sucrose were similar to those of coniferin, it was difficult to distinguish the distribution of coniferin and sucrose using MALDI-MSI and collision-induced dissociation measurement only. To solve this problem, osmium tetroxide vapor was applied to sections of differentiating xylem. This vapor treatment caused peak shifts corresponding to the introduction of two hydroxyl groups to the C=C double bond in coniferin. The treatment did not cause a peak shift for sucrose, and therefore was effective in distinguishing coniferin and sucrose. Thus, it was found that MALDI-MSI combined with osmium tetroxide vapor treatment is a useful method to detect coniferin in differentiating xylem.

Correlative Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy for Observing the Three-Dimensional Ultrastructure of Membranous Cell Organelles in Relation to Their Molecular Components.

Although the osmium maceration method has been used to observe three-dimensional (3D) structures of membranous cell organelles with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the use of osmium tetroxide for membrane fixation and the removal of cytosolic soluble proteins largely impairs the antigenicity of molecules in the specimens. In the present study, we developed a novel method to combine cryosectioning with the maceration method for correlative immunocytochemical analysis. We first immunocytochemically stained a semi-thin cryosection cut from a pituitary tissue block with a cryo-ultramicrotome, according to the Tokuyasu method, before preparing an osmium-macerated specimen from the remaining tissue block. Correlative microscopy was performed by observing the same area between the immunostained section and the adjacent face of the tissue block. Using this correlative method, we could accurately identify the gonadotropes of pituitary glands in various experimental conditions with SEM. At 4 weeks after castration, dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were distributed throughout the cytoplasm. On the other hand, an extremely dilated cisterna of the RER occupied the large region of the cytoplasm at 12 weeks after castration. This novel method has the potential to analyze the relationship between the distribution of functional molecules and the 3D ultrastructure in different composite tissues.