This work was funded by the Hubei Key Laboratories Opening Project (grant no. 2021KFY055), Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (grant no. 2020CFB240), and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (grant no. 2042020kf0065).

All steps are performed at room temperature unless otherwise indicated. All C57BL/6J mice used were obtained from the Laboratory Animal Center of Wuhan University, and all the related experiments were approved by the Committee on the Ethics of Animal Experiments of Wuhan University. All efforts were made to minimize the suffering of the mice.
1. Enucleation and fixation of the eyes
<ol>
	<li>Euthanize the mice with carbon dioxide asphyxiation, and enucleate the eyeball gentl...

Mouse Retina Isolation and Methanol Treatment for Studying Retinal Ganglion Cells

<ol>
	<li>Sanes, J. R., Masland, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+types+of+retinal+ganglion+cells:+Current+status+and+implications+for+neuronal+classification.">The types of retinal ganglion cells: Current status and implications for neuronal classification.</a> Annual Review of Neuroscience. 38, 221-246 (2015).</li><li>Almasieh, M., Wilson, A. M., Morquette, B., Cueva Vargas, J. L., Di Polo, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+molecular+basis+of+retinal+ganglion+cell+death+in+glaucoma.">The molecular basis of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma.</a> Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 31 (2), 152-181 (2012).</li><li>Au, N. P. B., Ma, C. H. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuroinflammation,+microglia+and+implications+for+retinal+ganglion+cell+survival+and+axon+regeneration+in+traumatic+optic+neuropathy.">Neuroinflammation, microglia and implications for retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration in traumatic optic neuropathy.</a> Frontiers in Immunology. 13, 860070 (2022).</li><li>Pavlidis, M., Stupp, T., Naskar, R., Cengiz, C., Thanos, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retinal+ganglion+cells+resistant+to+advanced+glaucoma:+A+postmortem+study+of+human+retinas+with+the+carbocyanine+dye+DiI.">Retinal ganglion cells resistant to advanced glaucoma: A postmortem study of human retinas with the carbocyanine dye DiI.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology &amp; Visual Science. 44 (12), 5196-5205 (2003).</li><li>Vidal-Sanz, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Understanding+glaucomatous+damage:+anatomical+and+functional+data+from+ocular+hypertensive+rodent+retinas.">Understanding glaucomatous damage: anatomical and functional data from ocular hypertensive rodent retinas.</a> Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 31 (1), 1-27 (2012).</li><li>Kole, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Activating+transcription+factor+3+(ATF3)+protects+retinal+ganglion+cells+and+promotes+functional+preservation+after+optic+nerve+crush.">Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) protects retinal ganglion cells and promotes functional preservation after optic nerve crush.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology &amp; Visual Science. 61 (2), 31 (2020).</li><li>Nadal-Nicol&#225;s, F. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Brn3a+as+a+marker+of+retinal+ganglion+cells:+qualitative+and+quantitative+time+course+studies+in+naive+and+optic+nerve-injured+retinas.">Brn3a as a marker of retinal ganglion cells: qualitative and quantitative time course studies in naive and optic nerve-injured retinas.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology &amp; Visual Science. 50 (8), 3860-3868 (2009).</li><li>Kwong, J. M., Caprioli, J., Piri, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RNA+binding+protein+with+multiple+splicing:+A+new+marker+for+retinal+ganglion+cells.">RNA binding protein with multiple splicing: A new marker for retinal ganglion cells.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology &amp; Visual Science. 51 (2), 1052-1058 (2010).</li><li>Stradleigh, T. W., Ishida, A. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fixation+strategies+for+retinal+immunohistochemistry.">Fixation strategies for retinal immunohistochemistry.</a> Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 48, 181-202 (2015).</li><li>Stradleigh, T. W., Greenberg, K. P., Partida, G. J., Pham, A., Ishida, A. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Moniliform+deformation+of+retinal+ganglion+cells+by+formaldehyde-based+fixatives.">Moniliform deformation of retinal ganglion cells by formaldehyde-based fixatives.</a> Journal of Comparative Neurology. 523 (4), 545-564 (2015).</li><li>Bucher, D., Scholz, M., Stetter, M., Obermayer, K., Pfl&#252;ger, H. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Correction+methods+for+three-dimensional+reconstructions+from+confocal+images:+I.+Tissue+shrinking+and+axial+scaling.">Correction methods for three-dimensional reconstructions from confocal images: I. Tissue shrinking and axial scaling.</a> Journal of Neuroscience Methods. 100 (1-2), 135-143 (2000).</li><li>Chidlow, G., Daymon, M., Wood, J. P., Casson, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Localization+of+a+wide-ranging+panel+of+antigens+in+the+rat+retina+by+immunohistochemistry:+Comparison+of+Davidson's+solution+and+formalin+as+fixatives.">Localization of a wide-ranging panel of antigens in the rat retina by immunohistochemistry: Comparison of Davidson's solution and formalin as fixatives.</a> Journal of Histochemistry &amp; Cytochemistry. 59 (10), 884-898 (2011).</li><li>Tokuda, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimization+of+fixative+solution+for+retinal+morphology:+A+comparison+with+Davidson's+fixative+and+other+fixation+solutions.">Optimization of fixative solution for retinal morphology: A comparison with Davidson's fixative and other fixation solutions.</a> Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology. 62 (4), 481-490 (2018).</li><li>Miki, M., Ohishi, N., Nakamura, E., Furumi, A., Mizuhashi, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Improved+fixation+of+the+whole+bodies+of+fish+by+a+double-fixation+method+with+formalin+solution+and+Bouin's+fluid+or+Davidson's+fluid.">Improved fixation of the whole bodies of fish by a double-fixation method with formalin solution and Bouin's fluid or Davidson's fluid.</a> Journal of Toxicologic Pathology. 31 (3), 201-206 (2018).</li><li>Zanini, C., Gerbaudo, E., Ercole, E., Vendramin, A., Forni, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+two+commercial+and+three+home-made+fixatives+for+the+substitution+of+formalin:+A+formaldehyde-free+laboratory+is+possible.">Evaluation of two commercial and three home-made fixatives for the substitution of formalin: A formaldehyde-free laboratory is possible.</a> Environmental Health. 11, 59 (2012).</li><li>Tang, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+optimized+method+to+visualize+the+goblet+cell-associated+antigen+passages+and+identify+goblet+cells+in+the+intestine,+conjunctiva,+and+airway.">An optimized method to visualize the goblet cell-associated antigen passages and identify goblet cells in the intestine, conjunctiva, and airway.</a> Immunobiology. 227 (6), 152260 (2022).</li><li>Brock, R., Hamelers, I. H., Jovin, T. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+fixation+protocols+for+adherent+cultured+cells+applied+to+a+GFP+fusion+protein+of+the+epidermal+growth+factor+receptor.">Comparison of fixation protocols for adherent cultured cells applied to a GFP fusion protein of the epidermal growth factor receptor.</a> Cytometry. 35 (4), 353-362 (1999).</li><li>Baykal, B., Korkmaz, C., Kocabiyik, N., Ceylan, O. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+influence+of+post-fixation+on+visualising+vimentin+in+the+retina+using+immunofluorescence+method.">The influence of post-fixation on visualising vimentin in the retina using immunofluorescence method.</a> Folia Morphologica. 77 (2), 246-252 (2018).</li><li>Powner, M. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Visualization+of+gene+expression+in+whole+mouse+retina+by+in+situ+hybridization.">Visualization of gene expression in whole mouse retina by in situ hybridization.</a> Nature Protocols. 7 (6), 1086-1096 (2012).</li><li>Zhang, N., Cao, W., He, X., Xing, Y., Yang, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Using+methanol+to+preserve+retinas+for+immunostaining.">Using methanol to preserve retinas for immunostaining.</a> Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 50 (3), 325-333 (2022).</li><li>Kalesnykas, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retinal+ganglion+cell+morphology+after+optic+nerve+crush+and+experimental+glaucoma.">Retinal ganglion cell morphology after optic nerve crush and experimental glaucoma.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology &amp; Visual Science. 53 (7), 3847-3857 (2012).</li><li>Parrilla-Reverter, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Time-course+of+the+retinal+nerve+fibre+layer+degeneration+after+complete+intra-orbital+optic+nerve+transection+or+crush:+a+comparative+study.">Time-course of the retinal nerve fibre layer degeneration after complete intra-orbital optic nerve transection or crush: a comparative study.</a> Vision Research. 49 (23), 2808-2825 (2009).</li></ol>

The authors are not aware of any affiliations, memberships, funding, or financial holdings that might affect the objectivity of this study.

Fixation is an essential step to preserve the retina, which can impact any subsequent RGC investigations based on morphology. Successful fixation rapidly captures the structure and state of the retinas at the moment of exposing them to the fixing medium, which is critical for further analysis. Although formaldehyde has been regarded as one of the most common fixing agents for tissue and cell fixation and preservation, formaldehyde alone does not always work well as the optimal chemical fixative for some investigations<su...

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the only projection neurons in the retina, and they integrate and transmit outside visual information to the brain1. Many neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy are characterized by irreversible damage and loss of RGCs2,3. Analyzing the morphological and quantitative changes of RGCs is a crucial step in determining how neurodegenerative diseases develop and advance4,5.
Indirect immunofluorescence assay is a widely accepted method to monitor the distribution of proteins and cell counting. In the laboratory, whole-mount retinal immunostaining is commonly used in experimental studies on RGCs to evaluate the physiological and pathological conditions of the retina6. The most common markers used for RGC quantification in the whole retina include Brn3a, RNA binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS), and so on7,8. Characterizing the amount and distribution of RGCs requires high-quality whole-mount retinal immunostaining. Generally, in immunostaining protocols, the retina is immersed in chemical fixatives before being incubated in antibodies. Ideal fixatives should not change the shape of cells, the accessibility or affinity of the epitopes for antibodies, or the linear dimensions of the tissue9,10. 
Due to the complex structure of the retina, problems such as retinal fragility and folding, as well as some common difficulties including cell shrinkage and unclear nuclei, are prone to occur when making a whole-mount retinal patch, which has a negative impact on experimental research. In addition, not all retinas are immunostained immediately, especially when it comes to the retinas of transgenic mice with expensive prices that are of precious origin, necessitating the preservation of the extra retinal samples for further use.
The appropriate fixative solution can fix the tissue quickly, avoid tissue autolysis, preserve the normal morphology and structure of the tissue cells, and keep the antigenicity of proteins and other substances10. At present, formaldehyde-based fixation has been widely used in various tissues, including separated retinas, hemisected eyecups, and whole eyeballs10. Tissue shrinkage and the morphological alteration of cells are the two critical challenges encountered following immersion in formaldehyde11. In addition, modified fixation formulations are increasingly emerging to maximize the retention of the original properties of the retina and the target cells9,10. Different retinal fixation treatments may affect the retinal structure, protein immunogenicity, fluorescence excitation , and attenuation quenching cycle differently12,13. Retinas fixed with Davidson's solution are more morphologically intact compared to those fixed with formalin, but Davidson's solution is less compatible with some antibodies, such as microglial marker-ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 112. Considering the fragile nature of retinas, researchers would naturally wonder whether the retinal integrity, as well as the properties and morphology of the target cells, will change after long-term storage. However, the possible effects of fixation solution on retinal and RGC cell morphology after storage for several months have rarely been reported. The optimization of retinal fixation is critical for the evaluation and preservation of RGCs. 
We provide a detailed description of a reliable and technically straightforward method that we use for whole-mount murine retinal staining. Our method emphasizes the proper preparation and storage of retinas for RGC investigation, taking into account the need for the long-term storage of retinal tissue as well as specific aspects of fluorophore formation or degradation.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>24-well cell culture cluster</td>
			<td>Costar</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Eyeball fixation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24-well hemagglutination plate</td>
			<td>Labedit Company</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Incubation antibody</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adhesion microscope slides</td>
			<td>Citotest</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Or similar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-fluorescent quenching mountant</td>
			<td>Servicebio</td>
			<td>G1401</td>
			<td>Slow down fluorescence quenching</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BSA (bovine serum albumin)</td>
			<td>Servicebio</td>
			<td>GC305010</td>
			<td>Blocking reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Confocal microscope</td>
			<td>OLYMPUS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Apply 40x objective lens</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Curved scissors</td>
			<td>Jiangsu Kanghua Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Dissecting tools</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissecting microscope</td>
			<td>RWD Life science Co.,LTD&#160;</td>
			<td>77001S</td>
			<td>Dissecting tools</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>Jiangsu Kanghua Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Dissecting tools</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Methanol</td>
			<td>Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td>20210624</td>
			<td>GC&#8805;99.5%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nail polish</td>
			<td>SecheVite</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Sealing agent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needles&#160;</td>
			<td>Shanghai Kindly Enterprises Development Group Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Accelerate the fixation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde solution</td>
			<td>Servicebio</td>
			<td>G1101</td>
			<td>Eyeball fixation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS (phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4)</td>
			<td>Servicebio</td>
			<td>G0002</td>
			<td>Rinse the eyeball&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Primary antibody: guinea pig anti-RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS)</td>
			<td>PhosphoSolutions</td>
			<td>Cat. #1832-RBPMS</td>
			<td>For immunofluorescence. Used at 1:400</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Secondary antibody: Cy3 affiniPure donkey anti-guinea pig IgG (H+L)</td>
			<td>Jackson ImmunoResearch</td>
			<td>706-165-148</td>
			<td>For immunofluorescence. Used at 1:400</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Straight scissors</td>
			<td>Jiangsu Kanghua Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Dissecting tools</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

methanol-based whole-mount preparation for the investigation of retinal ganglion cells

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are the projection neurons of the retina, propagate external visual information to the brain. Pathological changes in RGCs have a close relationship with numerous retinal degenerative diseases. Whole-mount retinal immunostaining is frequently used in experimental studies on RGCs to evaluate the developmental and pathological conditions of the retina. Under some circumstances, some valuable retina samples, such as those from transgenic mice, may need to be retained for a long period without affecting the morphology or number of RGCs. For credible and reproducible experimental results, using an effective preserving medium is essential. Here, we describe the effect of methanol as an auxiliary fixed medium for retinal whole-mount preparations and long-term storage. In brief, during the isolation process, cold methanol (&#8722;20 &#176;C) is pipetted onto the surface of the retina to help fix the tissues and facilitate their permeability, and then the retinas can be stored in cold methanol (&#8722;20 &#176;C) before being immunostained. This protocol describes the retina isolation workflow and tissue sample storage protocol, which is useful and practical for the investigation of RGCs.

Author Spotlight: Methanol-Based Whole-Mount Preparation for the Investigation of Retinal Ganglion Cells  

Methanol-Based Whole-Mount Preparation for the Investigation of Retinal Ganglion Cells

The research aims to provide a modified retina isolation workflow and tissue sample storage protocol, which is useful and practical for investigating RGCs. Retinas are fragile and folding, which limits experimental research when making a whole-mount retinal patch. In addition, all retinas do not require immediate immunostain.Sometimes, extra retina samples need preservation for further use. We provide a detailed description of a reliable and technically straightforward method of whole-mount retina stain that emphasizes the proper preparation and the need for the long-term storage of retinas for RGC investigation. We will continue to work on the basic research of degenerative optic neuropathies.Further, the molecular mechanism of optic nerve injury and accident regeneration and potential clinical targets for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative disease will be explored.

After dissection, the retina should look like a flat four-leaf clover. In this study, by using the protocol outlined above, the retina turned white after methanol was added (Figure 1). Meanwhile, the retina changed from soft to pliable and flat. Next, the RGCs were labeled with anti-RBPMS8. Four image fields were taken in the whole-mount retina (n = 3) using a confocal microscope (eyepiece: 10x; objective: 40x). Representative views of visualized RGCs of retinas befor...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Methanol-Based Whole-Mount Preparation for the Investigation of Retinal Ganglion Cells at JoVE.com

Methanol can be used as an auxiliary fixed medium for retinal whole-mount preparations and long-term storage, which is useful for the investigation of retinal ganglion cells.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are the projection neurons of the retina, propagate external visual information to the brain. Pathological changes in ...

methanol-based-whole-mount-preparation-for-investigation-retinal

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Neuroscience

Mouse Retina Isolation and Flattening

After fixing the enucleated eyeball of the euthanized mouse, transfer it to a glass slide and place it under a dissecting microscope. Using forceps, clamp the margin of the cornea to prevent eyeball movement. With the dissecting scissors, cut around the cornea at a depth of approximately one millimeter through the cornea scleral limbus, and then remove the lens and vitreous body.Holding the optic disc at the center, cut the retina radially along the four quadrants, reaching approximately 2/3 of the retina's radius. Clamp one of the scleral edges using toothed forceps. Hold the sclera edge with untoothed forceps and move from the toothed forceps toward the sclera base.Carefully peel the retina. Wet the retina with 200 microliters of PBS using a pipette. Remove excess PBS using absorbent paper, and flatten the retina with a small bristle brush if needed.Slowly add cold methanol drop-by-drop onto the retina's inner surface until it covers completely. Once the retina turns white and develops increased tenacity, gently flatten the retina and remove impurities, such as residual pigment membranes and the vitreous body, with a small bristle brush. After inverting the retina, treat it with methanol as previously demonstrated, and transfer it into a well of 24 well plate, Soak it in methanol and store it at 20 degrees Celsius for one to two hours for immediate immunostaining.Then rinse the retina with PBS after removing methanol from the plate. The retinol ganglion cells of the retinas before and after methanol treatment were visualized using confocal microscopy, which indicated that the 12 months of methanol preservation did not affect the RGC immunostaining.

1.8K Views.  Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.  Methanol can be used as an auxiliary fixed medium for retinal whole-mount preparations and long-term storage, which  is useful for the investigation of retinal ganglion cells.

Mouse Retina Isolation and Methanol Treatment for Studying Retinal Ganglion Cells

Summary