Mouse brain slice which was immunostained with GFAP-A647 and imaged using a THUNDER Imager Tissue. Courtesy of H. Xu, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.

A Guide to Neuroscience Research

Investigating challenging specimens with advanced microscopy helps to better understand the nervous system, enabling breakthroughs in research and therapies

Mouse brain slice which was immunostained with GFAP-A647 and imaged using a THUNDER Imager Tissue. Courtesy of H. Xu, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. Neuroscience-Solutions-Res-.jpg

Neuroscience often requires the investigation of challenging and complex specimens to better understand the nervous system and cognitive processes. A major goal is to develop better therapies for disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It often requires a microscope capable of visualizing nerves at subcellular levels and identifying molecular changes. A comprehensive range of Leica microscope solutions helps neuroscientists overcome challenges with specimens and make advances in deep tissue imaging which can provide insights into neuronal functions.

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field involving the study of the structure and function of the nervous system. The purpose is to understand the development of cognitive and behavioral processes as well as understand and find therapies for disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

The use of microscopy techniques is critical to visualize the nervous system at cellular and subcellular levels and view any molecular changes within context. Recent developments in deep tissue imaging have provided further insights into neuronal function. Emerging technologies like genetic cell labeling and optogenetics complement these developments.

Techniques for neuroscience research

Research of the nervous system often requires the combination of visualization of large sections of a specimen and high-resolution imaging. Also, it is important to have the flexibility to image different types of specimens, such as live cells, tissues, organoids, and model organisms.

The study of fast dynamic processes, such as cell transport or synaptic remodeling, require high-speed microscopy. One of its main challenges is acquiring high-resolution images while avoiding fluorescence saturation.

To obtain useful data about the nervous system, researchers often use wide-area and volumetric imaging. The need to reduce fluorescence scattering and the background signal can make acquiring images with high contrast and resolution difficult, which is particularly critical when examining neuronal architecture in dense tissues like brain sections.

Widefield THUNDER Imager

Cultured cortical neurons. Z-stack of 59 planes (thickness: 21µm). Sample courtesy of FAN GmbH, Magdeburg, Germany.

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Microscopy methods for neuroscience research

Microscopy methods for neuroscience research

The study of the nervous system typically relies on different types of microscopy for collecting data concerning its activities and structures.

  • Multiplexed imaging enables acquisition of information from neurological specimens by visualizing multiple fluorescent biomarkers simultaneously. With this method, biological pathways can be explored at the same time. The advantage is that complex tissue and cell phenotypes can be analyzed and identified.
  • Multiphoton microscopy is often used for deep imaging in specimens with minimal invasiveness, thanks to its use of near-infrared excitation of dyes which reduces light scattering.
  • Light sheet microscopy is preferred for light-sensitive or thick 3-dimensional specimens. It reduces phototoxicity and photobleaching, while providing intrinsic optical sectioning and 3D imaging.
  • Laser microdissection (LMD) is performed with a microscope and laser to prepare neurological specimens for analysis. The heterogeneity of these tissue specimens often requires isolation of specific neurons before analysis can be carried out.
  • Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties of neurological tissues. The function of nerve cells (neurons) relies on ionic currents flowing through ion channels. Ion channels can be investigated with patch clamping using a microscope and pipette. The electrical activity of neurons can be recorded.
  • Electron microscopy (EM) is ideal for imaging neurological specimens with nanometer-scale resolution to better understand structure and function. EM requires special specimen preparation methods, like fixation and sectioning. For neuroscience research enhanced functional EM and optogenetics or electrical stimulation are useful.
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