The visualization of the mineral and protein distribution in the same histological sections of rat calcified growth plate cartilage

J Oral Biosci. 2022 Dec;64(4):461-464. doi: 10.1016/j.job.2022.08.005. Epub 2022 Sep 7.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and immunostaining would visualize the mineral and protein distribution in the same histological sections.

Methods: Paraffin sections of fixed rat hindlimbs were processed for SEM-EDX and subsequently for immunofluorescence staining.

Results: The localization of calcium, phosphorus, and carbon with type II collagen could be visualized in the same region of calcified growth plate cartilage on the same section.

Conclusions: The combination of SEM-EDX and immunostaining is effective for visualizing mineral and protein distribution in the same histological sections.

Keywords: Calcification; Cartilage; Immunofluorescence staining; SEM-EDX; Type II collagen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cartilage / metabolism
  • Growth Plate* / metabolism
  • Minerals*
  • Phosphorus
  • Rats

Substances

  • Minerals
  • Phosphorus
  • Calcium