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A Rapid Approach to High-Resolution Fluorescence Imaging in Semi-Thick Brain Slices
Published on: July 26, 2011
Paraffin sections of 70-100 μm: a novel technique and its benefits for studying the nervous system
Simone Feldengut1, Kelly Del Tredici, Heiko Braak
1Clinical Neuroanatomy Section, Department of Neurology, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
This technical communication provides a protocol for processing paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from the nervous system sectioned at 70-100 μm. Staining is performed on free-floating sections. Unlike 4-15 μm thick paraffin sections, this technique permits (1) the accurate recognition of specific cell types and cytoarchitectonic units (subcortical nuclei and cortical layers) and, owing to the superimposition of large numbers of biological structures, (2) the accurate assessment of pathological changes, e.g., those associated with synucleinopathies, tauopathies, and TDP-43 proteinopathies.

