A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR REDUCING WOOL FOR ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

A simple, yet effective. method for preparing wool for ultrastructural studies is described. Usually such procedures incorporate a reduction step to convert the disulphide bonds of keratin to thiol groups, whic h enhances subsequent staining. This reduction process generally invol ves exposing the wool fibres to severe chemical treatments, which may modify their ultrastructure. Additionally, many of the reagents employ ed are highly toxic and unpleasant to use. A method of reduction is re ported that provides images of ultrastructure at least comparable to p revious methods whilst exposing the wool fibres to much milder conditi ons. Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine has been used to reduce both bulk s amples and ultrathin sections of wool, prior to staining with silver m ethenamine.