Abstract Details

Title A Novel Lead Technique for Studying the Neuronal Organization of the Brain

Topic Aging and Dementia

Presentation(s) P04 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 219

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: The morphological investigation of CNS neurons has historically been carried out by silver impregnation methods. Currently, there are no rapid, reproducible, and inexpensive protocols in the literature that allow for selective staining of neurons without glial, vascular, or other elements in the CNS with a clear background. Development of novel staining techniques will aid in the understanding of morphological and histochemical changes in neurons.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Fresh or frozen, non-fixed 1 cm^3 tissue blocks were obtained from rapidly postmortem human Alzheimer disease and control cerebral cortex (size not critical). Tissues were placed in lead solution with acetate buffer at pH 4.1 and 2% lead acetate solution for 3 days, then transferred into 4% formalin for 1-2 days. Subsequently, tissue was sectioned at -13[deg]C into 60 micrometer sections, and transferred into 0.9% normal saline. Next, sections were placed in sodium sulfide solution for 1-2 minutes until the color change was complete (prior to last step may be washed in 1N acetic acid for a 10-30 sec for better clarity).

Results RESULTS: The use of a buffered lead solution allows for selective lead precipitation (stain) in various neuronal cell structures. Neuronal perykaria and their processes, such as long dendrites, are visible by lead staining. Glia, vasculature, and other structures of brain parenchyma remain unstained. Preliminary data show that certain changes may be observed in neurons in control and in Alzheimer disease brains.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: This novel lead staining technique selectively stains neurons and may have future applications in a broad range of neurological disorders.

Authors/Disclosures
Amaiak Chilingaryan, MD (CA) PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Isabella L. Simone (Insitute of Neurologist, Univerisity of Bari Italy)	No disclosure on file

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