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Neuronal Tract Tracing Methods: Recent Developments for Light and Electron Microscopy

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Analytical Morphology

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Summary

Anatomical characterization of brain circuitry provides the framework for the interpretation of physiological and behavioral data, and this chapter summarizes the latest techniques that can be used to dissect such circuits. Of the many experimental techniques available, the most versatile are able to reveal simultaneously at least two of the following: neuronal morphology, receptor distribution, neurotransmitter content of neurons and synaptic connections. The past twelve or so years have seen major advancements in these techniques, such as the development of Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin, biocytin and compounds conjugated to biotin, which are highly versatile, as well as sensitive anterograde tracers of neuronal pathways and their collaterals. Retrograde tracers such as Fluoro-gold and the B subunit of cholera toxin not only label populations more completely than horseradish peroxidase but also label dendritic trees in a “Golgi”-like manner. Viruses transported transneuronally label second- and even third-order neurons. Retrograde tracing may be used in conjunction with intracellular filling infixed tissue and, when combined with anterograde labeling of suspected synaptic inputs, gives a combination that truly represents the state of the art for neuroanatomy, providing, as it does, insight into complete brain microcircuits.

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  1. Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

    Gloria E. Meredith

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Meredith, G.E. (1996). Neuronal Tract Tracing Methods: Recent Developments for Light and Electron Microscopy. In: Analytical Morphology. Birkhäuser, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4166-9_10

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