title: [A modified intracellular labelling technique for high-resolution staining of neuron in 500 microm-thickness brain slice].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop simple but reliable intracellular labelling method for high-resolution visualization of the fine structure of single neurons in brain slice with thickness of 500 microm.
  
  
  METHODS
  Biocytin was introduced into neurons in 500 microm-thickness brain slices while blind whole cell recording. Following processed for histochemistry using the avidin-biotin-complex method, stained slices were mounted in glycerol on special glass slides. Labelled cells were digital photomicrographed every 30 microm and reconstructed with Adobe Photoshop software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After histochemistry, limited background staining was produced. The resolution was so high that fine structure, including branching, termination of individual axons and even spines of neurons could be identified in exquisite detail with optic microscope. With the help of software, the neurons of interest could be reconstructed from a stack of photomicrographs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The modified method provides an easy and reliable approach to revealing the detailed morphological properties of single neurons in 500 microm-thickness brain slice. Without requisition of special equipment, it is suited to be broadly applied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurlogy, Affilated Hospital, Medical College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China.
authors.forename: Ming-liang
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Guo-long
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jian-feng
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sui
authors.forename: Huai-zhen
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Ruan
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xiong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012984:Software; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*