HISTOFLUORESCENCE IN UNPERFUSED CNS BY CRYOSTAT AND GLYOXYLIC-ACID - PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Abstract

An adaptation of glyoxylic acid histofluorescence to cryostat sections was described. The technique utilized unperfused frozen [rat] brain, cryostat sectioning, immersion in 2% glyoxylic acid solution, warm-air drying and exposure to hot glyoxylic acid gas. Fine, well-localized catecholamine histofluorescence was produced in cells, axons and terminals. Both the anatomical localization and pharmacological specificity of the fluorescence conformed to traditional catecholamine literature. The technique had the advantage of overcoming preservation and sectioning problems associated with the Vibratome. Because unperfused brain is used, alternate sections can be prepared for a variety of anatomical demonstrations or biochemical assays.