Three-dimensional organization of biological tissues: a new method for investigation using scanning electron microscopy.

A new method is described which enables the visualization of hidden cellular surfaces of biological tissues. The method does not depend on the kind of fixative solution, the duration of the fixation, or the quantity of extracellular matrix. The samples are chemically dissociated with potassium ethoxide until the first individual cells appear in the solution. This initial process is followed by phase contrast microscopy, and remaining tissue is investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The method has proved more effective than conventional enzymatic techniques and is a simple, quick, and effective way to investigate the three-dimensional organization of different normal and pathological tissues.