Fluoro-jade stain

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Fluoro-jade stain

Fluoro-jade stain is a fluorescent dye used in neuroscience research to label degenerating neurons. It is particularly useful for identifying neurons undergoing degeneration in various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

History

Fluoro-jade stain was first introduced in 1997 by Schmued and Hopkins as a novel method for detecting neuronal degeneration. Since then, it has become a widely used tool in neuroscience research due to its high sensitivity and specificity in labeling degenerating neurons.

Mechanism of Action

Fluoro-jade stain works by selectively binding to degenerating neurons that exhibit specific cellular changes associated with neuronal injury. These changes include the exposure of anionic phospholipids on the cell membrane and the formation of intracellular aggregates of degenerative proteins.

Applications

Fluoro-jade stain is commonly used in research studies to visualize and quantify neuronal degeneration in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. It allows researchers to track the progression of neuronal injury over time and assess the efficacy of potential therapeutic interventions.

Procedure

To use fluoro-jade stain, brain tissue sections are typically mounted on slides and incubated with the fluorescent dye solution. After washing away unbound dye, the stained sections can be visualized under a fluorescence microscope, where degenerating neurons appear as bright green fluorescent puncta.

Limitations

While fluoro-jade stain is a valuable tool for detecting neuronal degeneration, it is important to note that the staining pattern can vary depending on the specific degenerative process and the timing of tissue collection. Additionally, false-positive staining can occur if the staining protocol is not optimized.

See also

• Neurodegeneration
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke