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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Imaging Neurons within Thick Brain Sections Using the Golgi-Cox Method
Published on: April 18, 2017
[A modified intracellular labelling technique for high-resolution staining of neuron in 500 microm-thickness brain
Ming-liang Zhao1, Guo-long Liu, Jian-feng Sui
1Department of Neurlogy, Affilated Hospital, Medical College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China.
Aim:
To develop simple but reliable intracellular labelling method for high-resolution visualization of the fine structure of single neurons in brain slice with thickness of 500 microm.
Methods:
Biocytin was introduced into neurons in 500 microm-thickness brain slices while blind whole cell recording. Following processed for histochemistry using the avidin-biotin-complex method, stained slices were mounted in glycerol on special glass slides. Labelled cells were digital photomicrographed every 30 microm and reconstructed with Adobe Photoshop software.
Results:
After histochemistry, limited background staining was produced. The resolution was so high that fine structure, including branching, termination of individual axons and even spines of neurons could be identified in exquisite detail with optic microscope. With the help of software, the neurons of interest could be reconstructed from a stack of photomicrographs.
Conclusion:
The modified method provides an easy and reliable approach to revealing the detailed morphological properties of single neurons in 500 microm-thickness brain slice. Without requisition of special equipment, it is suited to be broadly applied.
