High resolution scanning electron microscopy of the intracellular surface of intercalated disks in human heart

• Published in: Tissue & cell Vol. 38; no. 6; pp. 417 - 420
• Main Authors: Tandler, B., Riva, L., Loy, F., Conti, G., Isola, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2006
• Subjects: Adherens Junctions - ultrastructure; Adolescent; Adult; Desmosomes; Desmosomes - ultrastructure; Fasciae adherentes; Gap junctions; HRSEM; Human heart; Humans; Intercalated disks; Intercellular Junctions - ultrastructure; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Myocardium - ultrastructure; Myocytes, Cardiac - ultrastructure; Myofibrils - ultrastructure; Fasciae adherentes; Desmosomes; Human heart; HRSEM; Gap junctions; Intercalated disks

The three-dimensional architecture of human cardiac intercalated disks was examined by high resolution scanning electron microscopy of osmium-macerated specimens. This methodology permits viewing of in situ intercalated disks from a vantage point inside individual cardiomyocytes. The erose nature of...