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3 - Optical Imaging of Neural Structure and Physiology: Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy in Live Brain Slices
Book chapter

3 - Optical Imaging of Neural Structure and Physiology: Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy in Live Brain Slices

Michael E Dailey
Brain Mapping: The Methods, pp.49-76
Elsevier Inc, Second Edition
2002
DOI: 10.1016/B978-012693019-1/50005-8

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Abstract

The development of novel fluorescent probes of cellular structure and physiology has had a profound impact on studies of brain structure and function at the network, cellular, and subcellular levels. Coupled with the technical advances in high-resolution optical imaging, fluorescent markers provide a valuable set of tools for mapping the functional organization of the brain. The wide variety of fluorescent membrane dyes now available with varying spectral properties permits simultaneous labeling and discrimination of different populations of cells. Given the advancements in vital fluorescent probes and sensitive imaging techniques, it is now possible to map the three-dimensional (3D) structure of single neurons and glial cells in live brain slices over a period of many hours. The ability to collect two-dimensional (2D) and 3D image data sets from live neural tissue slices at high spatial resolution, over long periods of time and at relatively short time intervals, is revealing new information on the dynamics of neural structure in brain tissues. Multiphoton imaging provides intrinsic 3D resolution while confining fluorescence excitation to a single narrow focal plane, thus reducing the risk of photodynamic damage.

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