Low-temperature resin embedding of the whole brain for various precise structures dissection

Resin embedding combined with ultra-thin sectioning has been widely used in microscopic and electron imaging to acquire precise structural information of biological tissues. However, the existing embedding method was detrimental to quenchable fluorescent signals of precise structures and pH-insensitive fluorescent dyes. Here, we developed a low-temperature chemical polymerization method named HM20-T to maintain weak signals of various precise structures and to decrease background fluorescence. The fluorescence preservation ratio of green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged presynaptic elements and tdTomato labeled axons doubled. The HM20-T method was suitable for a variety of fluorescent dyes, such as DyLight 488 conjugated Lycopersicon esculentum lectin. Moreover, the brains also retained immunoreactivity after embedding. In summary, the HM20-T method was suitable for the characterization of multi-color labeled precise structures, which would contribute to the acquisition of complete morphology of various biological tissues and to the investigation of composition and circuit connection in the whole brain.

Reproductive aging and menopause-like transition in the menstruating spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus)

STUDY QUESTION

Does the naturally menstruating spiny mouse go through menopause?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Our study is the first to show a natural and gradual menopausal transition in a rodent.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Age-related depletion of the human ovarian reserve (OvR) leads to menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation and reproduction. Current rodent models of menopause are inappropriate for inferences of the human condition, as reproductive senescence is abrupt or induced through ovariectomy. The spiny mouse is the only confirmed rodent with a naturally occurring menstrual cycle.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Histological assessment of virgin spiny mice occurred in females aged 6 months (n = 14), 1 year (n = 7), 2 years (n = 13), 3 years (n = 9) and 4 years (n = 9). Endocrinology was assessed in a further 9 females per age group. Five animals per group were used for ovarian stereology with additional ovaries collected at prenatal Day 35 (n = 3), day of birth (n = 5), postnatal Days 35 (n = 5) and 100 (n = 5) and 15 months (n = 5).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Morphological changes in the reproductive system were examined using hematoxylin and eosin stains. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry assessed endometrial proliferation and sex steroids estradiol and testosterone were assayed using commercial ELISA kits.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The proportion of females actively cycling was 86% at 6 months, 71% at 1 year, 69% at 2 years, 56% at 3 years and 44% at 4 years. Uterine and ovarian weights declined steadily from 1 year in all groups and corresponded with loss of uterine proliferation (P < 0.01). Estradiol was significantly decreased at 1 and 2 years compared to 6-month-old females, before becoming erratic at 3 and 4 years, with no changes in testosterone across any age. Fully formed primordial follicles were observed in prenatal ovaries. Aging impacted on both OvR and growing follicle numbers (P < 0.001-0.0001). After the age of 3 years, the follicle decline rate increased more than 5-fold.

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This is a descriptive study in a novel research rodent whereby reagents validated for use in the spiny mouse were limited.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The gradual, rather than sudden, menopausal transition suggests that the spiny mouse is a more appropriate perimenopausal model than the current rodent models in which to examine the neuroendocrine pathways that encompass all hormonal interactions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The logistic, ethical and economic advantages of such a model may reduce our reliance on primates in menopause research and enable more thorough and invasive investigation than is possible in humans.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Hudson Institute is supported by the Victorian State Government Operational Infrastructure Scheme. The authors declare no competing interests.

Correlation of light microscopic findings with transmission electron microscopy within a vascular occlusion device

Host response to an implanted biomaterial is a complex process involving microscopic changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Reliable pathology analysis is imperative for accurate assessment of the tissue response to an implanted device. Plastic histology is commonly used for histology evaluation of medical devices to assess the device-tissue interface; however, this technique is prone to variable staining that can confound histology interpretation. Appropriately, we propose using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to confirm histologic ECM findings in order to provide sufficient host-response data. Tissue response to an absorbable shape memory polymer intravascular occlusion device with a nitinol wire backbone was evaluated. Representative plastic-embedded, micro-ground sections from 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day timepoints were analyzed. ECM regions were selected, and ultrathin sections were created for TEM evaluation. Histological changes in ECM composition were compared for light microscopy (LM) and TEM findings; specifically, TEM fibrillary patterns for collagen and fibrin were used to confirm LM results. Throughout this study, LM reveals inconsistent staining in plastic-embedded sections. TEM, on the other hand, provides clear insight into the tissue response by morphologically discerning distinct fibrillary patterns within ECM structures; loose to dense collagen surrounds the implant as fibrin degrades, demonstrating progression of postimplant ECM maturation. Moreover, TEM serves as a definitive method for confirming tissue substrate morphology when LM findings prove ambiguous.

Morphometric and stereological methods for quantifying the coarse structural parameters of the ruminal tissues in sheep

In ruminants, the rumen is the largest and most significant fore-stomach. Stereological analysis of important structural parameters that may be used to assess the functional capacity of the rumen is lacking. In the current investigation, five rams were used to demonstrate the methods for quantifying salient structural parameters related to rumen function. The sheep were euthanized with 20% sodium pentobarbital intravenously, the rumen was dissected out and divided into the various sacs for gross examination, and fixation by total immersion in 10% formalin. Macroscopic ruminal surface area was estimated using the point-associated area method. Volumes of the ruminal tissues were estimated by the volume displacement method, while volume densities of the components of the ruminal wall were estimated by point counting methods. Tissue blocks for histology were obtained by systematic random sampling and processed to obtain vertical sections for surface area and volume estimations. Papillary densities and numbers were estimated from horizontal sections. The volume of ruminal tissue was 536.54 ± 80.52 cm³, the macroscopic surface area was 1091 ± 115.75 cm² with a papillary packing density of 84.64 ± 10.99 cm^-2. Average absolute surface area was 4726.74 ± 628.56 cm². The total number of ruminal papillae per rumen was 92,884.91 ± 6216.46. The methods documented here provide the possibility of doing a detailed stereological analysis of ruminal tissue in different experimental or even pathological conditions.

Neuronal volume of the hippocampal regions in ageing

The hippocampal formation (HF) has an important role in different human capacities, such as memory processing and emotional expression. Both extensive changes and limited variations of its components can cause clinically expressed dysfunctions. Although there remains no effective treatment for diseases caused by pathological changes in this brain region, detection of these changes, even minimally, could allow us to develop early interventions and establish corrective measures. This study analysed the neuronal islands of layer II of the entorhinal cortex (EC), the neuronal clumps of the external principal layer of the presubiculum (PrS) and the dentate granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG), which represent the prominent structural regions within the HF circuit. Subjects from two age groups (younger or older than 65 years) were studied and their neuronal size assessed by the point-sampled intercepts stereological method. The quantitative v ¯ v ( s o m a ) estimate was a volume of roughly 8,500 µm³ for EC layer II neurons, and DG granule neurons and presubicular neurons were five and 10 times smaller, respectively. The older age group showed a v ¯ v ( s o m a ) increase of 2%, 18% and 28% with respect to the younger group in the PrS, DG and EC regions, respectively. None of these regions showed interhemispheric differences. This quantitative estimation is relevant because the observed variance in the v ¯ v ( s o m a ) estimates suggests that biological variation is the main contributory factor, with intercepts and measurements having a smaller impact. Therefore, we suggest that age has a limited influence on neuronal volume variation in these HF regions, which needs to be compared with similar measurements in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's.

Simultaneous Acquisition of Multicolor Information From Neural Circuits in Resin-Embedded Samples

Resin embedding has been widely used for precise imaging of fluorescently labeled biological samples with optical and electron microscopy. The low preservation rate of fluorescence, especially for red fluorescent proteins, has limited the application of resin embedding in multifluorescent protein-labeled samples. Here, we optimized the embedding method to retain the intensity of multiple fluorescent proteins during resin embedding. By reducing the polymerization temperature from 50 to 35°C and adding a fluorescent protein protection reagent during the embedding process, we successfully increased the fluorescence preservation rate by nearly twofold for red fluorescent proteins, including tdTomato, mCherry, and DsRed. Meanwhile, the background fluorescence decreased significantly in the optimized embedding method. This method is suitable not only for red fluorescent protein-labeled samples but also for blue (BFP) and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled samples. We embedded brains labeled with BFP, DsRed, and GFP via AAV and rabies virus and acquired the distribution of input neurons to different cortical areas. With GFP/tdTomato double-labeled samples in resin, we obtained the cholinergic projectome of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) and the distribution of cholinergic neurons at single-neuron resolution in the whole brain simultaneously. Input cholinergic terminals from the PPTg were found to innervate the cholinergic soma and fiber in the neocortex, basal forebrain and brainstem, indicating that local cholinergic neurons received long-range cholinergic modulation from the midbrain. Our optimized method is useful for embedding multicolor fluorescent protein-labeled samples to acquire multidimensional structural information on neural circuits at single-neuron resolution in the whole brain.

Alterations of mouse lung tissue dimensions during processing for morphometry: a comparison of methods

Preservation of original tissue dimensions is an essential prerequisite for morphometric studies. Shrinkage occurring during tissue processing for histology may severely influence the appearance of structures seen under the microscope and stereological calculations. Therefore, shrinkage has to be avoided so that estimates obtained by application of unbiased stereology are indeed unbiased. The present study investigates the alterations of tissue dimensions of mouse lung samples during processing for histology. Different fixatives as well as embedding protocols are considered. Mouse lungs were fixed by instillation of either 4% formalin or a mixture of 1.5% glutaraldehyde/1.5% formaldehyde. Tissue blocks were sampled according to principles of stereology for embedding in paraffin, glycol methacrylate without treatment with osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate, and glycol methacrylate including treatment with osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate before dehydration. Shrinkage was investigated by stereological measurements of dimensional changes of tissue cut faces. Results show a shrinkage of the cut face areas of roughly 40% per lung during paraffin embedding, 30% during "simple" glycol methacrylate embedding, and <3% during osmium tetroxide/uranyl acetate/glycol methacrylate embedding. Furthermore, the superiority of the glutaraldehyde-containing fixative regarding shrinkage is demonstrated. In conclusion, the use of a glutaraldehyde-containing fixative and embedding in glycol methacrylate with previous treatment of the samples with osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate before dehydration is recommended for stereological studies of the mouse lung.

Effects of particle size on chemical speciation and bioavailability of copper to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to copper nanoparticles

To investigate the role of particle size on the oxidation, bioavailability, and adverse effects of manufactured Cu nanoparticles (NPs) in soils, we exposed the earthworm Eisenia ferida to a series of concentrations of commercially produced NPs labeled as 20- to 40-nm or < 100-nm Cu in artificial soil media. Effects on growth, mortality, reproduction, and expression of a variety of genes associated with metal homeostasis, general stress, and oxidative stress were measured. We also used X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy to characterize changes in chemical speciation and spatial distribution of the NPs in soil media and earthworm tissues. Exposure concentrations of Cu NPs up to 65 mg kg(-1) caused no adverse effects on ecologically relevant endpoints. Increases in metallothionein expression occurred at concentrations exceeding 20 mg kg(-1) of Cu NPs and concentrations exceeding 10 mg kg(-1) of CuSO4. Based on the relationship of Cu tissue concentration to metallothionein expression level and the spatial distribution and chemical speciation of Cu in the tissues, we conclude that Cu ions and oxidized Cu NPs were taken up by the earthworms. This study suggests that oxidized Cu NPs may enter food chains from soil but that adverse effects in earthworms are likely to occur only at relatively high concentrations (> 65 mg Cu kg(-1) soil).

Glycol methacrylate-embedding medium to study morphological alterations of saphenous vein under brief and crescent pressurizations

PURPOSE

This study sought to evaluate the efficiency of glycol methacrylate-embedding medium to detect morphological alterations of human saphenous vein submitted to brief and crescent pressurizations.

METHODS

Saphenous veins of 20 CABG patients were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (control, 100, 200 and 300 mmHg pressures during 15 seconds). To quantify the percentage of endothelium spread over vein surface a microscope magnification of 100x was used for measurements. Morphometric analysis was performed using videomicroscopy with the Leica Qwin software in conjunction with a Leica microscope, videocamera, and an on-line computer.

RESULTS

A slight tendency of quantitative increase was observed in all parameters including percentage of endothelium spread over vein surface and thickness of saphenous vein walls (intima and media layers).

CONCLUSIONS

The glycol methacrylate-embedding allowed sections with adequate resolution of structural details and revealed to be an extremely useful method to study pressurized human saphenous veins.

Resin Tissue Microarrays: a Universal Format for Immunohistochemistry

Tissue microarray (TMA) technology allows the miniaturization and characterization of multiple tissue samples on a single slide and commonly uses formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue or acetone-fixed frozen tissue. The former provides good morphology but can compromise antigenicity, whereas the latter provides compromised morphology with good antigenicity. Here, we report the development of TMAs in glycol methacrylate resin, which combine the advantages of both methods in one embedding format. Freshly collected tissue fixed in -20C acetone or 10% neutral buffered formaldehyde were cored and arrayed into an intermediary medium of 2% agarose before infiltration of the agarose array with glycol methacrylate resin. Acetone-fixed resin TMA demonstrated improved morphology over acetone-fixed frozen TMA, with no loss of antigenicity. Staining for extracellular, cell surface, and nuclear antigens could be realized with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies as well as with monomeric single-chain Fv preparations. In addition, when compared with FFPE TMA, formalin-fixed tissue in a resin TMA gave enhanced morphology and subcellular detail. Therefore, resin provides a universal format for the construction of TMAs, providing improved tissue morphology while retaining antigenicity, allows thin-section preparation, and could be used to replace preparation of frozen and FFPE TMAs for freshly collected tissue.

A comparative flower and fruit anatomical study of Quercus acutissima, a biennial-fruiting oak from the Cerris group (Fagaceae)

A developmental series of flowers and fruits of Quercus acutissima (subgenus Quercus section Cerris) was collected over a growing season and examined for an intersectional, comparative anatomical study. Pistillate flowers of the current growing season, each consisting of a pistil with three long, slightly recurved styles, six tepals, and an inconspicuous ovary subtended by a few cycles of cupule scales, emerged in early May, were pollinated by mid-May, and then were quiescent for the remainder of the growing season. Flowers from the previous growing season resumed growth in mid-May, each forming three locules delimited by septa in the ovary, with two bitegmic, epitropous ovules developing in each locule. Mature embryo sacs were present by mid-July of the second growing season, although embryos were not observed until early August. Fruit maturation was complete by late September. Features that have not been described previously for the section Cerris include early-lignifying endocarp trichomes, persistent septa, and leaf primordia buttresses on the embryo. A comparison of flower and fruit developmental features with sections Quercus sensu stricto and Lobatae revealed a mosaic of shared features among the three sections.

Biocompatibility and healing process of polyester meshes in the brain: in vivo examination in rats

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the biocompatibility of multifilament polyester (PET) meshes used for the implantation of auditory brainstem implants in a standardized Wistar rat model (n=29).

METHODS

The physical properties of the meshes were examined during surgery. Using a modified plastic embedding, the local tissue reaction and the stability of mesh position in the region of the fourth ventricle were evaluated in section series from day 3 to 64. The cellular reaction was further differentiated using transmission and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

PET meshes were stable for handling. However, sharp edges inevitably led to brainstem and cerebellar penetration in some cases. The meshes were preserved in situ in all section series. Positioning was stable with one exception. A sufficient fibroblast and collagen fiber encasement was reached after 14 days. In all cases, no further change was observed through day 64. The host-defense reaction was persistent and characterized by numerous macrophages and foreign-body giant cells. Bacterial infection occurred in three cases.

CONCLUSIONS

PET meshes proved to have an acceptable biocompatibility regarding local-tissue reaction in the brain. Modified polymer structures should be developed to reduce risk of injury. Anti-inflammatory surface treatments and monofilament meshes could reduce the infection rate.

Polyester meshes and adhesive materials in the brain: comparative research in rats to optimize surgical strategy

OBJECT

The goal of this study was to determine the biocompatibility of polyester mesh electrode carriers for auditory brainstem implants with and without adhesives in a rat model.

METHODS

Physical properties of the meshes were evaluated within the fourth ventricle region, both without (Group A) and with adhesives (muscle, Group B; oxidized regenerated cellulose [ORC], Group C; and fibrin glue, Group D). The stability of the mesh position, the healing process, and host defense reaction after 2 to 60 days were examined in series of tissue sections in which meshes were preserved in situ. The cellular reaction was further evaluated using electron microscopy. Although otherwise pliable, polyester meshes were too rigid when used with adhesives, especially fibrin glue or muscle. Also, the sharp edges of the meshes presented a risk of brainstem and cerebellar lesions. Regardless of the material, meshes induced persistent inflammatory tissue reactions characterized by numerous macrophages and foreign-body giant cells. After 14 days, the cellular response had resulted in sufficient fibroblast and collagen fiber encapsulation of the meshes and remained essentially unchanged thereafter. No influence of adhesives on the healing process was observed, and, unexpectedly, these substances did not reduce the risk of dislocation prior to adequate cellular encasement. In some rats in Groups A and C, purulent inflammation, in part with Gram-positive bacteria, occurred after 2 to 14 days. The ORC exhibited persistent swelling, introducing the risk of occlusive hydrocephalus and/or brainstem compression.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyester meshes and various adhesives exhibited acceptable biocompatibility in terms of local tissue reaction. Adhesives reduced pliability of the meshes, however, and were ineffective in reducing the risk of dislocation. Handling characteristics could be improved by better mesh designs, and risk of infection could be reduced by both improved designs and surface treatment of the meshes with antibacterial agents.

Optimization of glycol methacrylate embedding of large specimens in neurological research. Study of rat skull-brain specimens after implantation of polyester meshes

Advances in neuroscience require better anatomical knowledge of neuronal architecture and structural details. Optimal embedding techniques are the basis for precise morphometric studies in section series as well as for the evaluation of tissue specimens or implants of differing hardness. There are very few methods for preparing large specimens by resin embedding, although resins such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) are presently in use. However, these methods have proven to be laborious and sometimes unsatisfactory for serial sectioning. While glycol methacrylate embedding (GMA) is suitable for smaller specimens, it results in inadequate infiltration and polymerization in blocks larger than 1 x 1 x 0.2 cm. We present an improved technique using GMA, which permits both standardized embedding of 4 x 2 x 2 cm blocks and preparation of section series. This method was developed for preserving skull-brain specimens from rats with polyester-mesh implants. The excellent preservation of cellular details allowed the assessment of local tissue reaction to foreign-body material in situ. Advantages of this method are: (1) No toxic catalysts or solvents are used (as opposed to MMA and current GMA processes); (2) Laborious routines in stretching and mounting of sections are not necessary (in contrast to PEG and MMA); (3) No deplastination is required before staining (in contrast to PEG and MMA); (4) Excellent morphologic preservation of various tissue is achieved.

Embedding thin plant specimens for oriented sectioning

Small plant structures such as small primary roots, filamentous mosses and algae are difficult to orient for sectioning since they become wavy and curl during embedding. A method is described for embedding and orienting tiny plant specimens in a glycol methacrylate resin using self-constructed flat molds. Prior to sectioning, small samples can be oriented in both the longitudinal and the transverse plane. As several samples can be sectioned simultaneously, time-consuming trimming of the blocks is reduced substantially. The efficiency of this technique has been demonstrated using the tiny roots of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.