Scanning electron microscopic study of the surface of feline gastric epithelium: a simple method of removing the coating material.

Scanning electron microscopic examination of the gastric surface epithelial cells is often hindered by the presence of a coating material. Several methods for removal of coating material on feline gastric mucosa were utilized. The cleansed tissues were evaluated using the scanning electron microscope to assess damage caused by the use of various cleansing methods to surface epithelial cells. The stretched stomach washed several times, including rubbing the mucosal surface with gloved fingers, yielded the best results with no apparent damage to the surface epithelial cells. Flushing unstretched stomachs with saline only did not adequately remove coating material. Flushing unstretched stomachs with saline while stroking the surface with a cotton tipped applicator stick removed debris but damaged the surface epithelium.