Figure 7

Application of Thick PS-LvSEM to pathological experiments. (a–n) An experimental model of thrombus formation induced by disturbing the blood flow in the rabbit femoral artery. All images were taken from 30 µm sections, except the light micrographs from 5 µm sections with H&E staining (b,c,e,g,l). (a) Illustration of the arterial blood flow disturbance. (b) Overview of the mural thrombus formation. (c,d) Normal endothelium. (e,f) Adhesion of leukocytes (Leu) and platelets (PLT) on the erosive endothelium. (g–k) Aggregations of leukocytes (Leu), erythrocytes (Ery), and platelets, attaching to the sub-endothelium exposed in close proximity to the thrombus. (i) Illustrated use of the optional 45° tilt-holder. (j) Tilted top view of the aggregation. (k) Comparison of accelerating voltages. Note the higher signal-to-noise ratio at 15 kV, and the surface configuration revealed at 5 kV. (l–n) Core portion of the mural thrombus consisting of erythrocytes (E), leukocytes (Leu), platelets (P, and arrowhead in l), and fibrin fibres (arrow). (n) Note the network of fibrin fibres and platelets capturing the erythrocytes.