Microvascular Corrosion Casting in Scanning Electron Microscopy

Several methods have been used to demonstrate the vasculature of different organs in man and other species. Many attempts to evaluate the precise microangioarchitecture of organ systems remained unproductive, others were controversial. The development of electron microscope in thirties opend new perspectives in researching microvascular systems. Transmission electron microscopy provided a two-dimensional view on microcirculatory system at higher magnifications, however, its standardization was delayed unnecessarily. The use of methyl methacrylate and related compounds for obtaining replicas of vascular beds, and their study in scanning electron microscope opened a new window in micromorphological research. For the first time, a three-dimensional image analysis of the vascular system was possible. The microvascular corrosion casting method has meanwhile attracted the interest of many contemporary scientists. Its application to medical and biological problems justify it to be used as a routine method for microvascular investigations. The first investigators who used this method, focused either on methodological details or they dealt with the normal microanatomy of organs. The advantages of this method in demonstrating pathological microvascular patterns are also evident.

Klappentext

The present book comprises two main topics. First, the basics of microvascular corrosion casting techniques in scanning electron microscopy are discussed; second, the three-dimensional vascular pattern of organ systems are introduced. Part one of the book comprehensively describes and discusses advantages and disadvantages, as well as pitfalls, of the technique and gives many practical hints and tips derived from the authors' experiences with the technique. The second part deals with the microangioarchitecture of the cardiovascular system, alimentary tract, reproductive, urinary, hematopoetic, lymphatic, and central nervous systems, as well as peripheral sense organs. The microanatomical and physiological properties of the mentioned organ systems are described and discussed using appropriate micrographs. Particular emphasis is put on the presentation of basic data, in order to enable the reader to get a clear image of microvascular patterns of different organs as illustrated in scanning electron microscopy. Normal as well as pathological conditions of different organs are described. The literature on these topics is discussed.

Inhalt
I Techniques of Microvascular Corrosion-Casting.- 1. Corrosion CastingA Historical Review.- 2. Principles and Fundamentals of Microvascular Corrosion Casting for SEM Studies.- 3. Fundamentals of Scanning Electron Microscopy.- 4. Producing Optimal Microvascular Corrosion CastsA Practical Guide.- 5. Identification and Interpretation of Cast Vessel Structures.- 6. Quantification of Microvascular Corrosion Casts.- II Microangioarchitecture of Selected Organ Systems.- 1. The Cardiovascular and Respiratory System.- 2. The Digestive Tract.- 3. The Endocrine System.- 4. The Urinary System.- 5. The Reproductive System.- 6. The Hematopoetic System.- 7. The Lymphatics.- 8. The Nervous System.- 9. The Peripheral Sense Organs.