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Here we present a method to isolate adrenal glands from mice, fix the tissues, section them, and perform immunofluorescence staining.
Immunofluorescence is a well-established technique for detection of antigens in tissues with the employment of fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies and has a broad spectrum of applications. Detection of antigens allows for characterization and identification of multiple cell types. Located above the kidneys and encapsulated by a layer of mesenchymal cells, the adrenal gland is an endocrine organ composed by two different tissues with different embryological origins, the mesonephric intermediate mesoderm-derived outer cortex and the neural crest-derived inner medulla. The adrenal cortex secretes steroids (i.e., mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, sex hormones), whereas the adrenal medulla produces catecholamines (i.e., adrenaline, noradrenaline). While conducting adrenal research, it is important to be able to distinguish unique cells with different functions. Here we provide a protocol developed in our laboratory that describes a series of sequential steps required for obtaining immunofluorescence staining to characterize the cell types of the adrenal gland. We focus first on the dissection of the mouse adrenal glands, the microscopic removal of periadrenal fat followed by the fixation, processing and paraffin embedding of the tissue. We then describe sectioning of the tissue blocks with a rotary microtome. Lastly, we detail a protocol for immunofluorescent staining of adrenal glands that we have developed to minimize both non-specific antibody binding and autofluorescence in order to achieve an optimal signal.
Immunohistochemistry is a technique for detecting tissue components with the use of antibodies to specific cellular molecules and subsequent staining techniques to detect the conjugated antibodies1. This immunohistochemical procedure requires specific fixation and processing of tissues that are often empirically determined for the specific antigen, tissue and antibody utilized2. Fixation is crucial to preserve the "original" state of the tissue and thereby maintaining intact cellular and subcellular structures and expression patterns. Further processing and embedding procedures are required to prepare the tissue ....
All methods were performed in accordance with institutionally approved protocols under the auspice of the University Committee on Use and Care of Animals at the University of Michigan.
1. Preparation for Surgery
Figure 1Â represents a schematic of the entire protocol described above. Adrenal glands are harvested from mice, adjacent adipose tissue is removed under a dissecting microscope, and the adrenal are then fixed in 4% PFA. After this step, adrenals are processed and embedded in paraffin, and sectioned with a microtome to cut the organ into thin slices that are deposited on microscope slides. After drying of the sections, immunofluorescence is carried out an.......
This protocol describes a method for the isolation of mouse adrenal glands together with the preparation and staining of sectioned paraffin-embedded mouse adrenals.
Compared to other protocols we tested, this immunofluorescence protocol has proven suitable for the majority of antibodies used in our laboratory. However, in certain cases it may require some adjustments to improve the staining results. One variable that can easily be modified and tested is the length of fixation. In our laborator.......
We thank Dr. Mohamad Zubair for his helpful suggestions and technical assistance in the establishment of this protocol. This work was supported by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health Research Grant 2R01-DK062027 (to G.D.H).
....Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
24-well cell culture plate | Nest Biotechnology Co. | 0412B | |
Disposable needles 25Gx5/8" | Exel International | 26403 | |
Paraformaldehyde (PFA) | Sigma-Aldrich | P6148 | |
Paraplast plus | McCormik scientific | 39502004 | Paraffin for tissue embedding |
Shandon biopsy cassettes II with attached lid | Thermo scientific | 1001097 | Cassettes for tissue processing |
High Profile Microtome Blades | Accu-Edge | 4685 | Disposable stainless steel blades |
Peel-a-way disposable plastic tissue embedding molds | Polysciences Inc. | 18986 | Truncated,22mm square top tapered to 12mm bottom |
Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides | Fisherbrand | 12-550-15 | 75x25x1 mm |
Xylene | Fisher Chemical | X5P1GALÂ | |
200 Proof Ethanol | Decon Labs, Inc. | ||
Certi-Pad Gauze pads | Certified Safety Mfg, Inc | 231-210 | 3"x3. Sterile latex free gauze pads |
M.O.M kit | Vector laboratories | BMK-2202 | For detecting mouse primary antibodies on mouse tissue |
KimWipes | Kimtech | 34155 | Wipes 4.4x8.4 inch |
Super PAP PEN | Invitrogen | 00-8899 | Pen to draw on slides |
Microscope cover glass | Fisherbrand | 12-544-D | Size: 22x50x1.5 |
DAPI | Sigma | D9542Â | (Prepared in 20mg/mL stock) |
ProLong Gold antifade reagent | Molecular Probes | P36930 | Mounting agent for immunofluorescence |
X-cite series 120Q | Lumen Dynamics | Light source | |
Coolsnap Myo | Photometrics | Camera | |
Optiphot-2Â | Nikon | Microscope | |
microtome | Americal Optical | ||
Tissue embedder | Leica | EG1150 HÂ | |
Tissue processor | Leica | ASP300S | |
Normal goat serum | Sigma | G9023 | |
Mouse anti-TH | Millipore | MAB318 | Primary antibody |
Rabbit anti-SF1 | Ab proteintech group (PTGlabs) | Â custom made | Primary antibody |
Alexa-488 Mouse IgGÂ raised goat | Jackson ImmunoResearch | 115-545-003Â | Secondary antibody |
Dylight-549 Rabbit IgG raised goat | Jackson ImmunoResearch | 111-505-003 | Secondary antibody |
Citrate acid anhydrous | Fisher Chemical | A940-500 | |
NIS-Elements Basic Research | Nikon | Software for imaging |
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