Protocol abstract
Nature Protocols 1, - 1399 - 1405 (2006)
Published online: 2 November 2006 | doi:10.1038/nprot.2006.224
Subject Categories: Imaging | Model organisms | Neuroscience
BrdU assay for neurogenesis in rodents
J Martin Wojtowicz1 & Nohjin Kee2
Abstract
Neurogenesis within the adult central nervous system is demonstrated using an exogenous cell tracer, 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), in combination with endogenous neuronal markers. Specific primary antibodies raised against these markers are widely available and their visualization is possible with the use of fluorescently tagged secondary antibodies. BrdU is a thymidine analog that incorporates into dividing cells during DNA synthesis. Once incorporated into the new DNA, BrdU will remain in place and be passed down to daughter cells following division. Typically, BrdU is injected intraperitoneally. Different survival times required by the desired experimental time-line will yield data on specific phases of neurogenesis: proliferation, differentiation and maturation. One of the drawbacks of using BrdU is the dependence on a stressful injection procedure and uncertain penetration of the targeted cells with a uniform concentration of the compound. Thus, for experiments requiring measurements of cell proliferation, Ki67 can be used as an acceptable alternative. The protocol takes 3–5 d, allowing for sectioning and staining.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8.
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8.
Correspondence to: e-mail: martin.wojtowicz@utoronto.ca
nature-products
A-Z product listing
- 15-ml polypropylene conical tubes(Becton Dickinson)
- Alexa Fluor 488 chicken anti-Rat IgG (H+L) secondary antibody(Molecular Probes)
- Alexa Fluor 568 goat anti-rabbit/mouse IgG (H+L) secondary antibody(Molecular Probes)
- Alexa Fluor 594 donkey anti-Goat IgG (H+L)(Molecular Probes)
- BrdU(Sigma-Aldrich)
- dibasic anhydrous Na2HPO4 (Sigma)
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
