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Indika NLR, Frye RE, Rossignol DA, Owens SC, Senarathne UD, Grabrucker AM, Perera R, Engelen MPKJ, Deutz NEP. The Rationale for Vitamin, Mineral, and Cofactor Treatment in the Precision Medical Care of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2023; 13:252. [PMID: 36836486 PMCID: PMC9964499 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit nutritional deficiencies due to reduced intake, genetic variants, autoantibodies interfering with vitamin transport, and the accumulation of toxic compounds that consume vitamins. Importantly, vitamins and metal ions are essential for several metabolic pathways and for neurotransmitter functioning. The therapeutic benefits of supplementing vitamins, minerals (Zinc, Magnesium, Molybdenum, and Selenium), and other cofactors (coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, and tetrahydrobiopterin) are mediated through their cofactor as well as non-cofactor functions. Interestingly, some vitamins can be safely administered at levels far above the dose typically used to correct the deficiency and exert effects beyond their functional role as enzyme cofactors. Moreover, the interrelationships between these nutrients can be leveraged to obtain synergistic effects using combinations. The present review discusses the current evidence for using vitamins, minerals, and cofactors in autism spectrum disorder, the rationale behind their use, and the prospects for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neluwa-Liyanage R. Indika
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Autism Discovery and Research Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
- Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
| | - Daniel A. Rossignol
- Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
- Rossignol Medical Center, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA
| | - Susan C. Owens
- Autism Oxalate Project at the Autism Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92116, USA
| | - Udara D. Senarathne
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rasika Perera
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Marielle P. K. J. Engelen
- Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Nicolaas E. P. Deutz
- Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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2
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Beopoulos A, Géa M, Fasano A, Iris F. RNA epitranscriptomics dysregulation: A major determinant for significantly increased risk of ASD pathogenesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1101422. [PMID: 36875672 PMCID: PMC9978375 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1101422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are perhaps the most severe, intractable and challenging child psychiatric disorders. They are complex, pervasive and highly heterogeneous and depend on multifactorial neurodevelopmental conditions. Although the pathogenesis of autism remains unclear, it revolves around altered neurodevelopmental patterns and their implications for brain function, although these cannot be specifically linked to symptoms. While these affect neuronal migration and connectivity, little is known about the processes that lead to the disruption of specific laminar excitatory and inhibitory cortical circuits, a key feature of ASD. It is evident that ASD has multiple underlying causes and this multigenic condition has been considered to also dependent on epigenetic effects, although the exact nature of the factors that could be involved remains unclear. However, besides the possibility for differential epigenetic markings directly affecting the relative expression levels of individual genes or groups of genes, there are at least three mRNA epitranscriptomic mechanisms, which function cooperatively and could, in association with both genotypes and environmental conditions, alter spatiotemporal proteins expression patterns during brain development, at both quantitative and qualitative levels, in a tissue-specific, and context-dependent manner. As we have already postulated, sudden changes in environmental conditions, such as those conferred by maternal inflammation/immune activation, influence RNA epitranscriptomic mechanisms, with the combination of these processes altering fetal brain development. Herein, we explore the postulate whereby, in ASD pathogenesis, RNA epitranscriptomics might take precedence over epigenetic modifications. RNA epitranscriptomics affects real-time differential expression of receptor and channel proteins isoforms, playing a prominent role in central nervous system (CNS) development and functions, but also RNAi which, in turn, impact the spatiotemporal expression of receptors, channels and regulatory proteins irrespective of isoforms. Slight dysregulations in few early components of brain development, could, depending upon their extent, snowball into a huge variety of pathological cerebral alterations a few years after birth. This may very well explain the enormous genetic, neuropathological and symptomatic heterogeneities that are systematically associated with ASD and psychiatric disorders at large.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Géa
- Bio-Modeling Systems, Tour CIT, Paris, France
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
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3
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Liu Z, Wang J, Xu Q, Hong Q, Zhu J, Chi X. Research Progress in Vitamin A and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:5417497. [PMID: 34917197 PMCID: PMC8670912 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5417497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past few decades, many studies have investigated the effects of VA supplementation in ASD patients and the relationship between vitamin A (VA) levels and ASD. VA is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in various systems and biological processes in the form of retinoic acid (RA). Recent studies have shown that serum VA concentration is negatively correlated with the severity of ASD. The lack of VA during pregnancy or early fetal development can affect brain development and lead to long-term or even permanent impairment in the learning process, memory formation, and cognitive function. In addition, VA deficiency has been reported to have a major impact on the gastrointestinal function of children with ASD, while VA supplementation has been shown to improve the symptoms of ASD to a certain extent. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between VA and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Liu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qu Xu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Qin Hong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xia Chi
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, China
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4
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Andersson M, Tangen Ä, Farde L, Bölte S, Halldin C, Borg J, Lundberg J. Serotonin transporter availability in adults with autism-a positron emission tomography study. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1647-1658. [PMID: 32848204 PMCID: PMC8159737 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Impairments in social interaction and communication, in combination with restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests, define the neurodevelopmental diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The biological underpinnings of ASD are not well known, but the hypothesis of serotonin (5-HT) involvement in the neurodevelopment of ASD is one of the longest standing. Reuptake through the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) is the main pathway decreasing extracellular 5-HT in the brain and a marker for the 5-HT system, but in vivo investigations of the 5-HTT and the 5-HT system in ASD are scarce and so far inconclusive. To quantify possible alterations in the 5-HT system in ASD, we used positron emission tomography and the radioligand [11C]MADAM to measure 5-HTT availability in the brain of 15 adults with ASD and 15 controls. Moreover, we examined correlations between regional 5-HTT availability and behavioral phenotype assessments regarding ASD core symptoms. In the ASD group, we found significantly lower 5-HTT availability in total gray matter, brainstem, and 9 of 18 examined subregions of gray matter. In addition, several correlations between regional 5-HTT availability and social cognitive test performance were found. The results confirm the hypothesis that 5-HTT availability is lower in the brain of adult individuals with ASD, and are consistent with the theory of 5-HT involvement in ASD neurodevelopment. The findings endorse the central role of 5-HT in the physiology of ASD, and confirm the need for a continued investigation of the 5-HT system in order to disentangle the biology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ämma Tangen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Farde
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jacqueline Borg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Lundberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Stereological Investigation of the Rat Ventral Thalamic Nuclei Following Developmental Hyperserotonemia. Neuroscience 2019; 411:202-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Guo M, Zhu J, Yang T, Lai X, Liu X, Liu J, Chen J, Li T. Vitamin A improves the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and decreases 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): A pilot study. Brain Res Bull 2018; 137:35-40. [PMID: 29122693 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complicated neurodevelopmental disorders. Many studies have demonstrated that children with autism have multiple nutritional deficiencies and increased serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels. In our previous study, 77.9% of autistic children were found to have vitamin A deficiency, and the concentration of vitamin A was negatively associated with the CARS score. In the present study, we sought to test whether vitamin A supplementation could improve autistic symptoms and decrease serum 5-HT levels. The DSM-V criteria and CARS score were used for symptom description and symptom assessment of the patients, respectively, before and after vitamin A supplementation (VAS). Serum retinol and 5-HT levels, mRNA levels of RAR α, β, and γ and TpH 1 expression were detected in autistic children before and after VAS and in normal children. Serum retinol levels in children with ASD were significantly lower than in control children. Serum 5-HT levels in children with ASD were higher than in control children, which were correlated with symptom severity of children with autism. After VA supplementation, the children with ASD exhibited significant improvement in autism symptoms. Serum retinol concentrations of children with ASD were significantly increased, and serum 5-HT levels were decreased. Moreover, statistically significant changes were observed in mRNA expression levels of RAR α, RAR γ and TpH 1 after VAS compared to baseline. This study suggested that VA supplementation may improve symptoms and reduce 5-HT levels in children with ASD, indicating that VA supplementation is a reasonable therapy at least for a subset of children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Guo
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xi Lai
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China.
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7
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Hoxha E, Lippiello P, Scelfo B, Tempia F, Ghirardi M, Miniaci MC. Maturation, Refinement, and Serotonergic Modulation of Cerebellar Cortical Circuits in Normal Development and in Murine Models of Autism. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:6595740. [PMID: 28894610 PMCID: PMC5574313 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6595740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of the complex cerebellar cortical circuits follows different phases, with initial synaptogenesis and subsequent processes of refinement guided by a variety of mechanisms. The regularity of the cellular and synaptic organization of the cerebellar cortex allowed detailed studies of the structural plasticity mechanisms underlying the formation of new synapses and retraction of redundant ones. For the attainment of the monoinnervation of the Purkinje cell by a single climbing fiber, several signals are involved, including electrical activity, contact signals, homosynaptic and heterosynaptic interaction, calcium transients, postsynaptic receptors, and transduction pathways. An important role in this developmental program is played by serotonergic projections that, acting on temporally and spatially regulated postsynaptic receptors, induce and modulate the phases of synaptic formation and maturation. In the adult cerebellar cortex, many developmental mechanisms persist but play different roles, such as supporting synaptic plasticity during learning and formation of cerebellar memory traces. A dysfunction at any stage of this process can lead to disorders of cerebellar origin, which include autism spectrum disorders but are not limited to motor deficits. Recent evidence in animal models links impairment of Purkinje cell function with autism-like symptoms including sociability deficits, stereotyped movements, and interspecific communication by vocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriola Hoxha
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Bibiana Scelfo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Torino, Italy
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Hough LH, Brown ME. Labeling of neuronal morphology using custom diolistic techniques. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 282:43-51. [PMID: 28274738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diolistic labeling is increasingly utilized in neuroscience as an efficient, reproducible method for visualization of neuronal morphology. The use of lipophilic carbocyanine dyes, combined with particle-mediated biolistic delivery allows for non-toxic fluorescent labeling of multiple neurons in both living and fixed tissue. Since first described, this labeling method has been modified to fit a variety of research goals and laboratory settings. NEW METHOD Diolistic labeling has traditionally relied on commercially available devices for the propulsion of coated micro-particles into tissue sections. Recently, laboratory built biolistic devices have been developed which allow for increased availability and customization. Here, we discuss a custom biolistic device and provide a detailed protocol for its use. RESULTS Using custom diolistic labeling we have characterized alterations in neuronal morphology of the lateral/dentate nucleus of the rat cerebellum. Comparisons were made in developing rat pups exposed to abnormally high levels of 5-methyloxytryptamine (5-MT) pre-and postnatally. Using quantitative software; dendritic morphology, architecture, and synaptic connections, were analyzed. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The rapid nature of custom diolistics coupled with passive diffusion of dyes and compatibility with confocal microscopy, provides an unparalleled opportunity to examine features of neuronal cells at high spatial resolution in a three-dimensional tissue environment. CONCLUSIONS While decreasing the associated costs, the laboratory-built device also overcomes many of the obstacles associated with traditional morphological labeling, to allow for reliable and reproducible neuronal labeling. The versatility of this method allows for its adaptation to a variety of laboratory settings and neuroscience related research goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyon H Hough
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897, USA.
| | - Michael E Brown
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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