title: Intact histological characterization of brain-implanted microdevices and surrounding tissue.
abstract: Research into the design and utilization of brain-implanted microdevices, such as microelectrode arrays, aims to produce clinically relevant devices that interface chronically with surrounding brain tissue. Tissue surrounding these implants is thought to react to the presence of the devices over time, which includes the formation of an insulating "glial scar" around the devices. However, histological analysis of these tissue changes is typically performed after explanting the device, in a process that can disrupt the morphology of the tissue of interest. Here we demonstrate a protocol in which cortical-implanted devices are collected intact in surrounding rodent brain tissue. We describe how, once perfused with fixative, brains are removed and sliced in such a way as to avoid explanting devices. We outline fluorescent antibody labeling and optical clearing methods useful for producing an informative, yet thick tissue section. Finally, we demonstrate the mounting and imaging of these tissue sections in order to investigate the biological interface around brain-implanted devices.
authors: Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, IN, USA. awoolley@purdue.edu
authors: Andrew J
authors: AJ
authors: Woolley
authors: Himanshi A
authors: HA
authors: Desai
authors: Janak
authors: J
authors: Gaire
authors: Andrew L
authors: AL
authors: Ready
authors: Kevin J
authors: KJ
authors: Otto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D051381:Rats; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques