Fixation methods for electron microscopy of human and other liver

Figure 13 Typical structures that are often encountered in human liver parenchymal cells are the giant mitochondria. This wedge biopsy was fixed by injection, but during the osmium postfixation, ferrocyanide has been added. This compound enhances the contrast of membranes, including the cristae. Giant mitochondria also contain electron-dense granules, as normally seen in small mitochondria (compare Figure 14). Giant mitochondria can also be recognized in plastic sections observed by LM (see Figure 6B). Magnification 19 000 ×.