Name: assessment of ultrastructural neuroplasticity parameters after in utero transduction of the developing mouse brain and spinal cord
Uploaded: 2019-02-26T14:45:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Assessment of Ultrastructural Neuroplasticity Parameters After In Utero Transduction of the Developing Mouse Brain and Spinal Cord at JoVE.com

The authors thank the colleagues of the animal facility at the Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, for their support and animal care.

All procedures on animal subjects have been approved by the institutional animal ethics committees of the federal states of Hamburg and Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.&#160;&#160;Use sterile instruments, protective gloves and aseptic coats throughout the entire surgical procedure.
1. In Utero Transduction
<ol>
	<li>Prepare adeno-associated virus type 1 (AAV1) coding for the desired target (4 x 1011 viral particles/&#181;L of AAV1) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4. Add 0....

<ol>
	<li>Blackstad, T. W., Kjaerheim, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Special+axo-dendritic+synapses+in+the+hippocampal+cortex:+electron+and+light+microscopic+studies+on+the+layer+of+mossy+fibers.">Special axo-dendritic synapses in the hippocampal cortex: electron and light microscopic studies on the layer of mossy fibers.</a> Journal of Comparative. Neurology. 117, 133159 (1961).</li><li>Hamlyn, L. 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+fine+structure+of+the+mossy+fibre+endings+in+the+hippocampus+of+the+rabbit.">The fine structure of the mossy fibre endings in the hippocampus of the rabbit.</a> Journal of Anatomy. 96, 112-120 (1962).</li><li>Peters, A., Palay, S., Webster, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> The Fine Structure of the Nervous System. , (1991).</li><li>Rollenhagen, A., 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=Structural+determinants+of+transmission+at+large+hippocampal+mossy+fiber+synapses.">Structural determinants of transmission at large hippocampal mossy fiber synapses.</a> Journal of Neuroscience. 27, 10434-10444 (2007).</li><li>Lutz, D., 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=Myelin+basic+protein+cleaves+cell+adhesion+molecule+L1+and+promotes+neuritogenesis+and+cell+survival.">Myelin basic protein cleaves cell adhesion molecule L1 and promotes neuritogenesis and cell survival.</a> Journal of Biological Chemistry. 289, 13503-13518 (2014).</li><li>Lutz, D., 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=Myelin+Basic+Protein+Cleaves+Cell+Adhesion+Molecule+L1+and+Improves+Regeneration+After+Injury.">Myelin Basic Protein Cleaves Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 and Improves Regeneration After Injury.</a> Molecular Neurobiology. 53, 3360-3376 (2016).</li><li>Kraus, 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=A+Fragment+of+Adhesion+Molecule+L1+Binds+to+Nuclear+Receptors+to+Regulate+Synaptic+Plasticity+and+Motor+Coordination.">A Fragment of Adhesion Molecule L1 Binds to Nuclear Receptors to Regulate Synaptic Plasticity and Motor Coordination.</a> Molecular Neurobiology. 55, 7164-7178 (2018).</li><li>Andres, K. H., von D&#252;ring, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interferenzph&#228;nomene+am+osmierten+Pr&#228;parat+f&#252;r+die+systematische+elektronenmikroskopische+Untersuchung.">Interferenzph&#228;nomene am osmierten Pr&#228;parat f&#252;r die systematische elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchung.</a> Mikroskopie. 30, 139 (1974).</li><li>Andres, K. H., von D&#252;ring, M., Hayat, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interference+phenomenon+on+somium+tetroxide-fixed+specimens+for+systematic+electron+microscopy.">Interference phenomenon on somium tetroxide-fixed specimens for systematic electron microscopy.</a> Principle and Techniques of Electron Microscopy: Biological Appliccations. , 246-261 (1997).</li><li>Andres, K. H., von D&#252;ring, M., Heym, C., Forssmann, W. -. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=General+Methods+for+Characterization+of+Brain+Regions.">General Methods for Characterization of Brain Regions.</a> Techniques in Neuroanatomical Research. , 100-108 (1981).</li><li>Palay, S. L., McGee-Russel, S. M., Gordon, S., Grillo, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fixation+of+neural+tissues+or+electron+microscopy+by+perfusion+with+solutions+of+osmium+tetroxide.">Fixation of neural tissues or electron microscopy by perfusion with solutions of osmium tetroxide.</a> Journal of Cell Biology. 12, 385-410 (1962).</li><li>Webster, H. F., Collins, G. H. <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+osmium+tetroxide+and+glutaraldehyde+perfusion+fixation+for+the+electron+microscopic+study+on+the+normal+rat+peripheral+nervous+system.">Comparison of osmium tetroxide and glutaraldehyde perfusion fixation for the electron microscopic study on the normal rat peripheral nervous system.</a> Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology. 1, 109-126 (1964).</li><li>Andres, K. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Zur+Methodik+der+Perfusionsfixierung+des+Zentralnervensystems+von+S&#228;ugern.">Zur Methodik der Perfusionsfixierung des Zentralnervensystems von S&#228;ugern.</a> Mikroskopie. 21, 169 (1967).</li><li>Forssmann, W. 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=Fixation+par+perfusion+pour+la+microscopie+&#233;lectronique.+Essai.+De+g&#233;n&#233;ralisation.">Fixation par perfusion pour la microscopie &#233;lectronique. Essai. De g&#233;n&#233;ralisation.</a> Journal de Microscopie. 6, 279-304 (1967).</li><li>Descarries, L., Schr&#246;der, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fixation+du+tissue+nerveux+par+perfusion+&#224;+grand+debit.">Fixation du tissue nerveux par perfusion &#224; grand debit.</a> Journal de Microscopie. 7, 281-286 (1968).</li><li>Langford, L. A., Coggeshall, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+use+of+potassium+ferricyanide+in+neural+fixation.">The use of potassium ferricyanide in neural fixation.</a> Anatomical Records. 197, 297-303 (1980).</li><li>Liu, J., 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=Calretinin-positive+L5a+pyramidal+neurons+in+the+development+of+the+paralemniscal+pathway+in+the+barrel+cortex.">Calretinin-positive L5a pyramidal neurons in the development of the paralemniscal pathway in the barrel cortex.</a> Molecular Brain. 7, 84 (2014).</li><li>Lee, S. H., 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=Presenilins+regulate+synaptic+plasticity+and+mitochondrial+calcium+homeostasis+in+the+hippocampal+mossy+fiber+pathway.">Presenilins regulate synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis in the hippocampal mossy fiber pathway.</a> Molecular Neurodegeneration. 12, 48 (2017).</li><li>LoTurco, J., Manent, J. B., Sidiqi, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=New+and+improved+tools+for+in+utero+electroporation+studies+of+developing+cerebral+cortex.">New and improved tools for in utero electroporation studies of developing cerebral cortex.</a> Cerebral Cortex. , 120-125 (2009).</li><li>dal Maschio, 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=High-performance+and+site-directed+in+utero+electroporation+by+a+triple-electrode+probe.">High-performance and site-directed in utero electroporation by a triple-electrode probe.</a> Nature Communications. 3, 960 (2012).</li><li>Nishiyama, J., 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=Selective+and+regulated+gene+expression+in+murine+Purkinje+cells+by+in+utero+electroporation.">Selective and regulated gene expression in murine Purkinje cells by in utero electroporation.</a> European Journal of Neuroscience. 36, 2867-2876 (2012).</li><li>Takeo, Y. H., Kakegawa, W., Miura, E., Yuzaki, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RORalpha+regulates+multiple+aspects+of+dendrite+development+in+cerebellar+purkinje+cells+in+vivo.">RORalpha regulates multiple aspects of dendrite development in cerebellar purkinje cells in vivo.</a> Journal of Neuroscience. 35, 12518-12534 (2015).</li></ol>

A crucial step of in utero transduction is the injection procedure. The precise injection into brain ventricles or into another area of interest requires experience and hands-on skill. The thinner the microcapillary tip, the less tissue damage may occur; however, this is at the cost of increasing injection pressure. In contrast to in utero electroporation19,20,21,22, the survival rate of the in...

No photon can penetrate an ultrathin tissue specimen in the depth grade of an electron. This attributes invaluable advantages to TEM in capturing nanometer resolution images of fine structures when compared to light microscopy techniques. For example, TEM allows for the visualization of intracellular organelles such as mitochondria, melanosomes, and various types of secretory granules, microtubules, microfilaments, cilia, microvilli, and intercellular junctions (cell surface specializations), in particular synapses in the nervous system1,2,3,4. The overall goal of the present methodological study is the ultrastructural recognition of changes in neural plasticity during development upon prenatal interference by combining the state-of-the-art techniques of in utero transduction and TEM. Virally encoded proteins of interest have been transduced in utero into the central nervous system5,6,7, including the spinal cord6. For instance, in utero transduction in combination with TEM has been used for studying the effect of the cell adhesion molecule L1 on motor learning plasticity in L1-deficient mice, in particular with regard to the interplay between L1 and nuclear receptor proteins in cerebellar neurons7.
The analysis of neuroplasticity parameters requires precise information about the localization of the smallest areas within the nervous system. Therefore, it is adequate to describe ultrastructural details and their exact topographical orientation with respect to other structures. In the present study, a specific preparatory method aiming at the detailed investigation of distinct morphological areas based on both light and electron microscopy is presented. This approach combines several techniques of tissue manipulation, starting with in utero transduction of the mouse brain and spinal cord and followed by perfusion fixation, mold-embedding, and processing the tissue for TEM. An essential step included between the embedding and the processing of the tissue for TEM is the documentation of the tissue, using the interference light reflection technique that allows for the precise microphotographic and low-magnification documentation of tissue specimens8,9,10. Incorporated into the present approach, this technique enables researchers to examine topographical and structural details of nervous tissue surfaces and of specimen slice profiles prior to their preparation for TEM.
A special frame for sectioning whole brains corresponds to stereotaxic coordinates. This frame benefits the morphological three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of areas in nervous tissue and can be used for morphometric analysis. The macrographs of the visualized sections are assigned topographical coordinates, and the serially numbered sections build maps in a tissue atlas.
After resin processing, the embedded tissue is sectioned into ultrathin sections (&#60;70 nm) containing selected areas, according to the maps of the above-mentioned tissue atlas. The ultrathin sections are subjected to TEM to obtain high-resolution images of plasticity parameters (e.g., cross-section profile areas of synaptic boutons or axonal fibers) of their contents and of contacts to neighboring structures within the complex neuropil.
With the method described herein, the smooth transition from visualized macrostructures to micro- and nanostructures permits comparative in-depth studies of morphological neuronal plasticity after in utero transduction of the developing nervous system.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:969px;" width="968">
	<colgroup>
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
	</colgroup>
	<tbody>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">2,4,6-Tris(dimethyl-aminomethyl)phenol</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Serva</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">36975</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">26Gx 1&#39;&#39; needle</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:123px;"></td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td>410 Anaesthesia Unit for air pump</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">8323102</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="414">
			<td>Adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1)</td>
			<td>UKE (Viral Core Facility)</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>For references and target areas of AAV1 see: https://www.addgene.org/viral-vectors/aav/aav-guide/ and also: Designer gene delivery vectors: molecular engineering and evolution of adeno-associated viral vectors for enhanced gene transfer. Kwon I, Schaffer DV. Pharm Res. 2008 Mar;25(3):489-99. Recombinant AAV viral vectors pseudotyped with viral capsids from serotypes 1, 2, and 5 display differential efficiency and cell tropism after delivery to different regions of the central nervous system. Burger C, Gorbatyuk OS, Velardo MJ, Peden CS, Williams P, Zolotukhin S, Reier PJ, Mandel RJ, Muzyczka N. Mol. Ther. 2004 Aug;10(2):302-17. Self-complementary recombinant adeno-associated virus (scAAV) vectors promote efficient transduction independently of DNA synthesis. McCarty DM, Monahan PE, Samulski RJ. Gene Ther. 2001 Aug;8(16):1248-54.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Agarose</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">A9414</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">low gelling agarose</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Air Pump</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Eheim 100</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Araldite</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">CIBA-GEIGY</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">23857.9</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">resin for embedding of tissue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">aspirator tune assemblies</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">A5177-5EA</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Breathing Mask Mouse Anodized Aluminium</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">buprenorphine</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Temgesic</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">ampules</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">painkiller</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">capillaries</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Science-Products</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">GB100TF-10</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">with fillament</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Dodecenylsuccinic anhydride</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Fluka</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">44160</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Dumont tweezers (#3, 12 cm, straight, 0.2 x 0.12 mm)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">11203-23</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">electric shaver</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Phillips</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Ethicon sutures (Ethilon, 6-0 and 3-0)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Ethicon</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">polyamide</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">eye lubricant</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Bepanthene</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="52">
			<td height="52" style="height:52px;width:257px;">Fast Green</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">F7252</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">for visualization of injected liquids</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="133">
			<td height="133" style="height:133px;width:257px;">Gas Routing Switch 4/2 connectors</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">8433020</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="132">
			<td height="132" style="height:132px;width:257px;">halsted Mosquito hemostatic forceps (12.5 cm, straight)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">13011-12</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="54">
			<td height="54" style="height:54px;width:257px;">Heparin-Natrium</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Ratiopharm</td>
			<td style="width:123px;"></td>
			<td style="width:423px;">25 000 I.E./5 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Induction box for mice 
			with horizontally moving lid. 
			Inner dimensions: LxBxH: 155x115x130 mm. 
			Wall thickness: 6 mm</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">iris forceps (10cm, curved, serrated)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">14007-14</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">iris scissors (11cm, straight, tungsten carbide)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">14501-14</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">Isofluran OP Tisch, electrically heated, sm 
			Outer dimensions: 257x110x18 mm. 
			Heating area: 190x90 mm 
			The removal of the isoflurane escaping 
			the breathing mask is downwards in compliance with the 
			regulations</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">isoflurane (Attane)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">JD medical</td>
			<td style="width:123px;"></td>
			<td style="width:423px;">inhalation anesthesia</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:257px;">LED RGB lights</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Cameo</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">CLQS15RGBW</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">LEDs 2 x 15 W</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:257px;">Light microscope Basic DM E</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Leica</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">4x (N.A. 0.1 &#8734;/-), 10x (N.A. 0.22 &#8734;/0.17), 40x (N.A. 0.65 &#8734;/0.17), 100x (N.A. 1.25 &#8734;/0.17) objectives</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">micropipette puller</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Science-Products</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">P-97</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:257px;">Mosquito hemostatic forceps (12.5cm, curved)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">13010-12</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Nickel grids, 200 mesh</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Ted Pella</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">1GC200</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Osmium (VIII)-oxid</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Degussa</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">73219</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Propylene oxide</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Fluka</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">82320</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">razor blades</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Schick</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">87-10489</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Sodium pentobarbital (Narcoren)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Merial GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">TC01mR 1-Channal temperature controller with feedback</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Technovit 4004 two components glue</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Kulzer</td>
			<td style="width:123px;"></td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="84">
			<td height="84" style="height:84px;width:257px;">Telemacrodevice</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Canon</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">Canon Spiegelreflex Kamera EOS2000D, EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Objective, Extension below 150 mm, Manual Extension Tube 7 mm ring, 14 mm ring, 28 mm ring, Macro reverse ring (58 mm), Canon copy stand.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Thermopuller P-97</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Sutter Instruments</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">thin vibrating razor blade device</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Krup</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">with Szabo thin blades</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">toluidine blue</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td align="right">89640</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:257px;">Transmission electron microscope C20</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Phillips</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">up to 200 kV</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="120">
			<td height="120" style="height:120px;width:257px;">Tygon 6/4 Tubing material for connection of all parts 
			Outer diameter: 6mm 
			Inner diameter: 4mm 
			Wa 
			ll thickness: 1mm</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Ultracut E</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Reichert-Jung</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">-</td>
			<td style="width:423px;">ultramicrotome</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:257px;">Univentor Scavenger</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Biomedical Instruments (Univentor)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">8338001</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:257px;">Vannas scissors (8 cm, straight)</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">15009-08</td>
			<td style="width:423px;"></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

assessment of ultrastructural neuroplasticity parameters after in utero transduction of the developing mouse brain and spinal cord

The present study combines in utero transduction with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) aiming at a precise morphometrical analysis of ultrastructural parameters in unambiguously identified topographical structures, affected by a protein of interest that is introduced into the organism via viral transfer. This combined approach allows for a smooth transition from macrostructural to ultrastructural identification by following topographical navigation maps in a tissue atlas. High-resolution electron microscopy of the in-utero-transduced tissue reveals the fine ultrastructure of the neuropil and its plasticity parameters, such as cross-sectioned synaptic bouton areas, the number of synaptic vesicles and mitochondria within a bouton profile, the length of synaptic contacts, cross-sectioned axonal areas, the thickness of myelin sheaths, the number of myelin lamellae, and cross-sectioned areas of mitochondria profiles. The analysis of these parameters reveals essential insights into changes of ultrastructural plasticity in the areas of the nervous system that are affected by the viral transfer of the genetic construct. This combined method can not only be used for studying the direct effect of genetically engineered biomolecules and/or drugs on neuronal plasticity but also opens the possibility to study the in utero rescue of neuronal plasticity (e.g., in the context of neurodegenerative diseases).

For reliable and fast anesthesia of mice, numerous safety parameters were considered, and an optimized workspace of the anesthesia unit proved to be adequate (Figure 1A). The unit is designed to control the mixture of liquid isoflurane and ambient air with a precision required for successful surgery on small animals, such as mice and rats. Air and isoflurane are mixed in the vaporizer according to the desired settings and delivered into a box...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Assessment of Ultrastructural Neuroplasticity Parameters After In Utero Transduction of the Developing Mouse Brain and Spinal Cord at JoVE.com

Assessment of Ultrastructural Neuroplasticity Parameters After In Utero Transduction of the Developing Mouse Brain and Spinal Cord

The combination of transmission electron microscopy and in utero transduction is a powerful approach for studying morphological changes in the fine ultrastructure of the nervous system during development. This combined method allows deep insights into changes in structural details underlying neuroplasticity with respect to their topographical representation.

The present study combines in utero transduction with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) aiming at a precise morphometrical analysis of ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Developmental Biology

Ex Utero Electroporation and Organotypic Slice Culture of Mouse Hippocampal Tissue

Ex Utero Electroporation and Organotypic Slice Culture of Mouse Hippocampal Tissue

Mouse genetics offers a powerful tool determining the role of specific genes during development. Analyzing the resulting phenotypes by immunohistochemical ...

Isolation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells from the Periventricular Region of the Adult Rat and Human Spinal Cord

Adult rat and human spinal cord neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) cultured in growth factor-enriched medium allows for the proliferation of ...

Assessment of Endothelial Cell Migration After Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Exposure to chemical substances (including alkylating chemical warfare agents like sulfur and nitrogen mustards) cause a plethora of clinical symptoms ...

Grafting of Beads into Developing Chicken Embryo Limbs to Identify Signal Transduction Pathways Affecting Gene Expression

Using chicken embryos it is possible to test directly the effects of either growth factors or specific inhibitors of signaling pathways on gene expression ...

Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus

The placenta mediates the exchange of factors such as gases and nutrients between mother and fetus and has specific demands for supply of blood from the ...

Technique to Target Microinjection to the Developing Xenopus Kidney

Technique to Target Microinjection to the Developing Xenopus Kidney

The embryonic kidney of Xenopus&#160;laevis (frog), the pronephros, consists of a single nephron, and can be used as a model for kidney disease. Xenopus ...

Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland or hypophysis is an important endocrine organ secreting hormones essential for homeostasis. It consists of two glands with separate ...

Intravenous and Intra-amniotic In Utero Transplantation in the Murine Model

Intravenous and Intra-amniotic In Utero Transplantation in the Murine Model

In utero transplantation (IUT) is a unique and versatile mode of therapy that can be used to introduce stem cells, viral vectors, or any other substances ...

Immunohistochemical Detection of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Developing and Postmitotic Mouse Retina

The epigenetics of retinal development is a well-studied research field, which promises to bring a new level of understanding about the mechanisms of a ...

Visualization of Tangential Cell Migration in the Developing Chick Optic Tectum

Time-lapse imaging is a powerful method to analyze migrating cell behavior. After fluorescent cell labeling, the movement of the labeled cells in culture ...