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How Do You Store Brain Slices?

Published in Neuroscience 2 mins read

Brain slices, a vital tool in neuroscience research, require specific storage conditions to maintain their integrity and viability.

Storage Methods:

  • Short-term storage: For immediate use, brain slices can be kept in an oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) at room temperature. This method preserves the slices for a few hours.
  • Long-term storage: For longer storage, brain slices are typically frozen in cryoprotectants like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This process involves a slow freezing rate to minimize ice crystal formation, which can damage the tissue.
  • Cryoprotectant solutions: These solutions are designed to protect the slices from freezing damage. They contain a mixture of cryoprotectants, salts, and buffers to maintain the osmotic balance and pH of the slice.

Storage Conditions:

  • Temperature: Frozen brain slices are stored at -80°C in a freezer. This temperature ensures long-term preservation of the tissue.
  • Containers: Slices can be stored in cryovials or cryotubes for easy handling and identification.
  • Labeling: Clear and detailed labeling is crucial to track the origin, date of preparation, and any specific treatment applied to the slices.

Considerations:

  • Slice thickness: The thickness of the slice can affect storage and preservation. Thinner slices are easier to freeze and thaw, but they may be more fragile.
  • Tissue type: Different brain regions may require specific storage conditions. For example, slices from the hippocampus may require a different cryoprotectant solution than slices from the cortex.

Conclusion:

Storing brain slices involves specific techniques and conditions to ensure the preservation of their structure and function. Short-term storage in oxygenated ACSF is suitable for immediate use, while long-term storage in cryoprotectant solutions and freezing at -80°C is necessary for preserving slices over extended periods.

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