Brain slice methods
Posted in Tips
Brain slice methodology is a mix of rational approaches, post hoc rationalized approaches, and plain black magic. This web site covers some recent work on methodology. Also, here’s a related discussion on ResearchGate.
Hat tip to B.S.
I was initially very excited about the protective recovery NMDG method last year, but after a ton of experimentation it turned out that though the slices looked absolutely amazing the cellular physiology was irreversibly changed. Same with choline-based solutions and full sucrose replacements, so I guess a lot of this heavily depends on cell-type.
Regardless, massive amounts of controls need to be done to verify that your solutions aren’t completely messing up your cells before switching slice protocols.
I have been using the NMDG solution for quite awhile now after switching from sucrose. I switched when beginning a new series of experiments where we need to record from >4 month old mouse brain slices. What kind of changes in physiology were you observing? I haven’t noticed any difference other than there being more healthy cells in my slices.