Table 1 Two protocols for conventional and immuno TEM preparations routinely used in our lab.

Fixative

1.5% GA, 1.5% PFA in 0.15 M Hepes buffer

0.1% GA, 4% PFA in 0.2 M Hepes buffer

Postfixative

1% osmium tetroxide in sodium cacodylate buffer

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En-bloc staining

Half-saturated aqueous uranyl acetate

0.5% uranyl acetate in methanol (at -90°C)

Dehydration

Ascending acetone series

Methanol (at -90°C)

Embedding medium

Araldite (at 60°C)

Lowicryl HM 20 (at -45°C under UV light)