The preparation and use of embryonic brain wholemounts

Wholemounts of embryonic rat brain (E15) were prepared and immunocytochemically reacted to reveal the distribution of serotonergic neurons and pathways. Wholemounts were prepared by dissection of unfixed tissue by opening the neural tube dorsally. Following fixation and immunocytochemistry the embryonic brain wholemount provided a panoramic view of developing neurons and pathways. At low magnification the distribution of immunoreactive neurons and the extent of pathway development could be appreciated. At high magnification fine cellular detail of immunoreactive neurons was resolvable.