A method for visualizing cytoskeletal structures by the scanning electron microscope.

The cytoskeleton of intestinal epithelial cells was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tissues were treated with Triton X-100, stained to enhance conductivity, and freeze-fractured in liquid nitrogen. With these procedures, not only the localization of core filaments (actin-containing microfilaments) and intermediate filaments but also the relations between fibrous structures and cell organellae were clearly revealed. This conventional method is of great value in interpreting the three-dimensional organization of intracellular fine structures.