Improved membrane preservation of flavivirus-infected cells with cryosectioning

Abstract

Ultra-cryomicrotomy and electron microscopy were used to investigate membranous structures in dengue virus-infected mammalian and insect cells. The cryo-sectioned samples displayed ultrastructure comparable to their resin-embedded counterparts with all previously identified virus-induced structures being observed. Structures not previously identified were also found. In particular, membrane-bound packets of vesicles, 100-200 nm in diameter were seen distributed throughout areas of virus-induced membrane proliferation. These packets were clearly distinct from virion arrays. Small smooth membrane vesicles, previously found to contain thread-like enclosures (M.L. Ng, J. Gen. Virol. 68 (1987) 57..