New devices and results for diagnostic histopathological transmission electron microscopy on large ultrathin cryosections from human tumours

Cryoultramicrotomy is gaining in significance and use as technical improvements are made. Compared with epoxy resin procedures, cryopreparations are more rapid, there is negligible loss of material and thus antigenicity is well preserved. Following further advances in preparation techniques and modifications to suit medical needs it is becoming feasible to apply this method for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. This paper reports some newly developed techniques (sample preparation, ultramicrotomy) and gives examples of results obtained on human tumours (lung, stomach).