Visualizing neurons in the deep brain. This technology
sounds like a fascinating way for stroke researchers to
watch neuroplasticity take hold. Between deep brain neurons, connectomics,
and array tomography, one of these should be required for
researchers to prove that therapies work.
Stanford scientists have devised a new method that not only
lets them peer deep inside the brain to examine its neurons
but also allows them to continue monitoring for months.
Because light microscopy can only penetrate the outermost
layer of tissues, any region of the brain deeper than 700
microns or so (about 1/32 of an inch) cannot be reached by
traditional microscopy techniques. Recent advances in micro
-optics had allowed scientists to briefly peer deeper into
living tissues, but it was nearly impossible to return to
the same location of the brain and it was very likely that
the tissue of interest would become damaged or infected.
With the new method, "Imaging is possible over a very long
time without damaging the region of interest," said Juergen
Jung, operations manager of the Schnitzer lab. Tiny glass
tubes, about half the width of a grain of rice, are
carefully placed in the deep brain of an anaesthetized
mouse. Once the tubes are in place, the brain is not exposed
to the outside environment, thus preventing infection. When
researchers want to examine the cells and their interactions
at this site, they insert a tiny optical instrument called a
microendoscope inside the glass guide tube. The guide tubes
have glass windows at the ends through which scientists can
examine the interior of the brain.
"It's a bit like looking through a porthole in a submarine,"
said Schnitzer.
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