Assessment of Hippocampal Dendritic Complexity in Aged Mice Using the Golgi-Cox Method

Thomas R. Groves; Jing Wang; Marjan Boerma; Anti&#241;o R. Allen

doi:10.3791/55696

Assessment of Hippocampal Dendritic Complexity in Aged Mice Using the Golgi-Cox Method

JoVE Journal
Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Assessment of Hippocampal Dendritic Complexity in Aged Mice Using the Golgi-Cox Method

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09:44 min

June 22, 2017

DOI: 10.3791/55696-v

Thomas R. Groves^1,2,3, Jing Wang^1,2, Marjan Boerma^1,2, Antiño R. Allen^1,2,3

¹Division of Radiation Health,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, ²Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, ³Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Overview

This article presents a detailed Golgi-Cox protocol for staining brain tissue, allowing for high-quality assessment of cytoarchitecture in the hippocampus and throughout the brain. The method minimizes troubleshooting and facilitates the examination of dendritic morphology and complexity.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Neuroanatomy
Histology

Background

Golgi staining selectively labels a small subset of neurons.
This technique is crucial for tracing neuronal structures.
It allows for the assessment of dendritic complexity.
Brain sections remain intact during the staining process.

Purpose of Study

To demonstrate a reliable method for Golgi staining of brain tissue.
To facilitate the examination of neuronal morphology.
To provide a protocol that minimizes the risk of tissue damage.

Methods Used

Immersion of unfixed rodent half brains in mercuric chloride-based solution.
Application of the Golgi-Cox staining protocol.
Assessment of dendritic morphology and complexity.
Demonstration by graduate students in a laboratory setting.

Main Results

Successful staining of brain sections without drying or damage.
High-quality visualization of neuronal structures.
Effective tracing of dendritic morphology.
Minimal troubleshooting required for the protocol.

Conclusions

The Golgi-Cox protocol is a reliable method for studying brain tissue.
This technique enhances the understanding of neuronal architecture.
It is suitable for various neuroscience research applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golgi-Cox staining method?

The Golgi-Cox staining method is a histological technique used to visualize the structure of neurons by staining a small subset of cells.

What are the advantages of using this protocol?

This protocol allows for high-quality staining with minimal risk of tissue damage during the process.

Who demonstrated the procedure in this study?

The procedure was demonstrated by graduate students Fred Kiffer, Tyler Alexander, and Julie Anderson in Dr. Allen's laboratory.

What type of tissue is used for this staining method?

Freshly harvested, unfixed rodent half brains are used for the Golgi-Cox staining method.

What can be assessed using this staining technique?

This technique can be used to examine and quantify dendritic morphology and complexity in neurons.

Is there a risk of tissue damage during the staining process?

No, the method is designed to prevent the tissue from drying out or falling off during washing steps.

Here we present a Golgi-Cox protocol in extensive detail. This reliable tissue stain method allows for a high-quality assessment of the cytoarchitecture in the hippocampus, and throughout the entire brain, with minimal troubleshooting.

The overall goal of this methodology is to properly Golgi stain brain tissue in order to examine and quantify dendritic morphology and complexity. This method can help answer key questions in neuroscience. Since Golgi staining only stains a small subset of cells, this technique could be used to trace the structure of neurons.

The main advantage of this technique is that brain sections can be easily stained without risk to them drying out or falling off during any of the washing steps. Demonstrating the procedure will be Fred Kiffer, Tyler Alexander and Julie Anderson, graduate students in Dr.Allen's laboratory. Begin by immersing freshly harvested, unfixed rodent half brains in five milliliters or mercuric chloride-based solution.

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