Brain Slice Imaging
Brain Slice Imaging - Related Videos
04:35
A Rapid Approach to High-Resolution Fluorescence Imaging in Semi-Thick Brain Slices
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Cited by 10 •
2011
Here we describe a rapid and simple method to image fluorescently labeled cells in semi-thick brain slices. By fixing, slicing, and optically clearing brain tissue we describe how standard epifluorescent or confocal imaging can be used to visualize individual cells and neuronal networks within intact nervous tissue.
02:08
Bioluminescence Imaging to Assess Tumor Growth in an Organotypic Mouse Brain Slice
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2025
Source: Ciraku, L., et. al. An Ex Vivo Brain Slice Model to Study and Target Breast Cancer Brain Metastatic Tumor Growth. J. Vis. Exp. (2021).This video demonstrates the imaging of luciferase-expressing tumor cells in an organotypic mouse brain slice. Luciferin is added to the medium, and the plate is placed inside the chamber of the in vivo imaging system. Parameters for image capture are adjusted, and the tumor's shape and size are defined. The bioluminescent signals emitted by the tumor...
09:14
Imaging Calcium Responses in GFP-tagged Neurons of Hypothalamic Mouse Brain Slices
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Cited by 5 •
2012
In this protocol, we update recent progress in imaging Ca2+ signals of GFP-tagged neurons in brain tissue slices using a red fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dye.
11:13
Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices
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Cited by 8 •
2016
Optogenetic approaches are widely used to manipulate neural activity and assess the consequences for brain function. Here, a technique is outlined that upon in vivo expression of the optical activator Channelrhodopsin, allows for ex vivo analysis of synaptic properties of specific long range and local neural connections in fear-related circuits.
04:11
Confocal Imaging of Mitochondrial Movement within Oligodendrocytes in Organotypic Brain Slice Cultures
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2025
Source: Kennedy, L. H., et. al. Visualization and Live Imaging of Oligodendrocyte Organelles in Organotypic Brain Slices Using Adeno-associated Virus and Confocal Microscopy. J. Vis. Exp. (2017)This video demonstrates the imaging of oligodendrocyte mitochondria in organotypic mouse brain slices. The slice is placed inside a bath chamber with continuous fluid circulation and controlled temperature. After setting up various parameters of the confocal microscope, time-lapse images of mitochondria...
FAQs
Acute slices provide a short-term preparation for examining tissue under controlled laboratory conditions, whereas organotypic slices are maintained over time. This distinction affects the time window available for observation and experimentation. Researchers can therefore select acute or organotypic preparations according to whether they need immediate access to tissue or longitudinal tracking of morphology, calcium signals, or other activity-dependent changes.
Oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid provides the controlled bathing environment used to maintain brain slices during experiments. Its role is especially important because the preparation is studied outside the intact animal, where normal physiological support is no longer supplied by the body. Maintaining this environment enables microscopy of cellular structure and activity while preserving the tissue sufficiently for experimental observation.
Fluorescent reporters allow investigators to visualize features that transmitted-light microscopy may not distinguish directly, including cellular morphology, calcium signals, and other activity-dependent changes. These readouts connect visible changes in cells and processes with functional responses. Consequently, the technique can examine both structural organization and dynamic activity within the preserved local circuit environment.
Retaining local circuit organization allows researchers to relate cellular mechanisms to interactions among nearby neurons and glial processes. This makes it possible to investigate synaptic transmission and connectivity within a tissue context rather than examining isolated cells alone. At the same time, the controlled ex vivo setting is used when intact-animal imaging is limited, so findings focus on accessible local circuitry.
Researchers prepare either acute or organotypic brain slices, place them in oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid, and examine them with transmitted-light microscopy or fluorescent reporters. Imaging can then follow morphology, calcium signals, or other activity-dependent changes over time. This workflow combines tissue preparation, controlled maintenance, optical visualization, and interpretation of cellular or circuit-level responses.
Researchers may choose this approach when they need direct optical access to neuronal and glial processes under controlled laboratory conditions, particularly when intact-animal imaging is limited. The slice setting also permits focused examination of local circuit function, drug responses, or stimulation effects. It therefore supports mechanistic experiments that connect cellular observations with nearby circuit behavior.
The method can provide observations of morphology, calcium signaling, activity-dependent changes, synaptic transmission, and connectivity. It can also reveal disease-related tissue changes or responses to drugs and stimulation. These outcomes help investigators connect visible cellular or glial alterations with local circuit function, making the approach useful for studying both structure and physiology in neuroscience.
In neuroscience, researchers use brain slices to study how neuronal and glial processes participate in local circuits and how those circuits respond to experimental manipulation. Applications include examining synaptic transmission, connectivity, disease-related changes, drug effects, and stimulation responses. Because microscopy occurs under controlled conditions, the approach helps isolate cellular and circuit mechanisms that may be difficult to resolve in an intact animal.