This video demonstrates a method to visualize the cortical modules in flattened brain sections using histochemical staining. Pre-fixed sections are treated with a straining reagent that highlights active neural clusters, forming dark, high-contrast regions. After mounting and dehydration, cortical modules appear under a bright-field microscope as dark, patchy patterns.
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Method Article
Histochemical Imaging of Cortical Modules in Flattened Brain Sections
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May 29th, 2025
In This Article
Abstract
Protocol
All procedures involving animal samples have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate animal ethical review committee.
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Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytochrome oxidase staining | |||
| Cytochrome c from equine heart | Sigma-Aldrich | C2506 | |
| 3,3'Diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride hydrate | Sigma-Aldrich | D5637 | |
| HEPES | Carl Roth | 9105.4 | |
| Mounting or freezing media | |||
| Eukitt (histochemistry) | Sigma-Aldrich | 3989 | |
| Alcohol dehydration | |||
| Ethanol 100% | Carl Roth | 9065.3 | |
| Ethanol 96% | Carl Roth | P075.3 | |
| 2-Propanol | Carl Roth | 6752.4 | |
| Xylene substitute | Fluka | 78475 | |
| Devices/tools | |||
| Dumont 55 Forceps - Inox | Fine Science Tools | 11255-20 | |
| Dumont 5 Forceps - Inox Biology Tip | Fine Science Tools | 11252-30 | |
| Dumont 5SF Forceps - Inox Super Fine Tip | Fine Science Tools | 11252-00 |
