Detection of Brain Atrophy by Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining

In a neurodegenerative mouse model, progressive neuronal loss with age reduces brain volume, indicating brain atrophy.

To detect brain atrophy, begin with slides carrying the deparaffinized brain sections from neurodegenerative mouse models at various ages.

Add a basic hematoxylin dye solution, staining the nuclei purple and distinguishing the neurons from the surroundings.

Rinse with an acidic solution to remove excess stain.

Apply an alkaline bluing solution, turning the nuclear stain blue and intensifying the contrast.

Next, apply an acidic eosin dye solution, staining cytoplasmic proteins and the extracellular matrix pink.

Submerge the slides in increasing concentrations of alcohol to dehydrate the tissue sections.

Apply a mounting solution and cover with coverslips.

When viewed under a microscope, a reduced blue-stained region in the brain sections of the aged mouse, compared to the youngest mouse, indicates progressive neuronal loss.

Additionally, decreased hippocampal volume and cortical thickness with age confirm brain atrophy.