A Correlative Fluorescent and Electron Microscopic Technique for Ultralocalization of Trichocyte Keratins

The study presented a novel sample preparation method for confocal fluorescent and electron microscopy of high-pressure frozen and freeze-substituted wool follicles. This technique allowed for clear ultrastructural preservation and keratin labeling while minimizing common artifacts associated with conventional fixation methods. The use of dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (DF-STEM) provided sufficient contrast to obtain high-resolution images without the need for post-staining or silver enhancement, facilitating the detailed study of trichocyte keratin heterodimers and their organization within hair follicles.