Electron Tomographic Methods for Studying Organelles of the Murine Chemical Synapse

Methods Mol Biol. 2022:2473:129-139. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2209-4_10.

Abstract

Electron tomography of the chemical synapse provides important architectural information regarding the organization of synaptic organelles including synaptic vesicles, Nissl bodies, and early endosomes. Here, we describe methods for the preparation of select murine brain regions for high-pressure freezing, freeze substitution, and EM tomographic analysis of synaptic structures. The method uses fresh brain slices prepared using a vibratome and biopsy punches to collect specific brain regions of interest suitable for subsequent preservation and EM tomographic imaging.

Keywords: Brain; Electron microscopy; Electron tomography; Freeze substitution; High-pressure freezing; Murine; Subcellular organelles; Synapse.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electron Microscope Tomography* / methods
  • Electrons*
  • Freeze Substitution
  • Mice
  • Organelles
  • Synapses