[Cell-biology] extracellular mitochondria

[Zeev Silverman]

Using a pre-embedding approach, I'm labeling cells (2 cell line)  
fixed with paraformaldehyde/gluteraldehyde with an antibody against a  
mitochondrial protein, in the presence of 0.02% triton-X-100. The  
cells are then osmicated, dehydrated and embedded (spinning the cells  
at 1,200 rpm for 5 min. each time) in araldite. In the TEM, many of  
the labeled mitochondria are outside the cells. The cells themselves  
look good and the membranes are well preserved. Does anyone know why  
I consistently get this result of ejected mitochondria?  Thanks,  ZS



Ze'ev Silverman, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof. & Chairman
Department of Morphology
Faculty of Health Sciences
Ben-Gurion University
P.O. Box 653
Beer Sheva 84105 Israel

Phone: 972 8 647-7307
Fax: 972 8 647-7627
http://fohs.bgu.ac.il/brain/