ClearT: a detergent- and solvent-free clearing method for neuronal and non-neuronal tissue

Development. 2013 Mar;140(6):1364-8. doi: 10.1242/dev.091844.

Abstract

We describe a clearing method for enhanced visualization of cell morphology and connections in neuronal and non-neuronal tissue. Using Clear(T) or Clear(T2), which are composed of formamide or formamide/polyethylene glycol, respectively, embryos, whole mounts and thick brain sections can be rapidly cleared with minimal volume changes. Unlike other available clearing techniques, these methods do not use detergents or solvents, and thus preserve lipophilic dyes, fluorescent tracers and immunohistochemical labeling, as well as fluorescent-protein labeling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology
  • Cytological Techniques / methods*
  • Detergents / adverse effects
  • Dissection / methods*
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Indicators and Reagents* / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Biological
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Solvents / adverse effects
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Tissue Fixation / methods

Substances

  • Detergents
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Solvents