I am labeling brain cryosections with a NeuroTrace Nissl Stain. Is this compatible with antibody labeling?
Yes. We have done this successfully with an anti-GFAP primary and an Alexa Fluor secondary antibody. We would recommend labeling with the primary and secondary antibodies first, then following up with the standard NeuroTrace Nissl Stain protocol.
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I can use the NeuroTrace Nissl stains for staining glia or other cell types. What can I do to improve the staining so that it is more selective for neurons?
Our NeuroTrace Nissl stains label the Nissl substance which is composed of ribosomal RNA associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and is present in high amounts in neuronal cells. These dyes are not completely specific for neurons, but will selectively stain neurons based on their high level of protein synthesis. In some cases they may show staining of other cell types such as glia, so you may need to decrease the staining concentration to obtain more selective neuronal labeling. We suggest dilutions in the range of 20- to 300-fold for neuronal staining.
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Can the NeuroTrace Nissl stains be used on paraffin sections?
We have only tested them on mouse brain cryosections, however, there is at least one citation describing their use on paraffin tissue sections (Michelle L. Schlief, Ann Marie Craig, and Jonathan D. Gitlin. NMDA Receptor Activation Mediates Copper Homeostasis in Hippocampal Neurons. The Journal of Neuroscience, January 5, 2005, 25(1):239 - 246).
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What are the NeuroTrace Nissl stains?
The dyes are proprietary, however they are stains that label the Nissl substance, which is composed of ribosomal RNA associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and is present in high amounts in neuronal cells.
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What products do you have for neuronal tracing?
Please check out this web page (https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/cell-analysis/cell-tracing-tracking-and-morphology/neuronal-tracing.html) for details.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.