Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Κλινική και Πειραματική ΝευροχειρουργικήLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Mavrovounis Georgios
Supervisors info:
Καλαματιανός Θεοδόσης, Επιστημονικός συνεργάτης, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Στράντζαλης Γιώργος, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Πιάγκου Μαρία, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
DiI for tract tracing in human CNS tissue
Translated title:
DiI for tract tracing in human CNS tissue
Summary:
Neuroanatomical tract tracing is an essential method in neuroscience that allows researchers to map the pathways and connections within the brain and nervous system. The techniques involved provide crucial insights into the structural and functional organization of neural circuits, facilitating a deeper understanding of how different brain regions communicate. Historically, the ability to visualize these pathways has been instrumental in advancing our knowledge of brain function, elucidating disease mechanisms, and exploring the intricacies of human behavior.
The advent of various tracing techniques, from classical dyes to sophisticated genetic and molecular tools, has significantly expanded the capabilities of neuroscientists. Among these, carbocyanine dyes like DiI have gained prominence due to their effectiveness in brightly and persistently labeling neurons, making them ideal for detailed anatomical studies. Such tools are pivotal in bridging the gap between microscopic cellular structures and the macroscopic functions they control, which is essential for both basic scientific understanding and the development of medical interventions.
The current study conducted a scoping review to summarize the literature on the use of the carbocyanine dye DiI in human neuroanatomical tract tracing. Systematic searches of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases resulted in the identification of 61 studies published over the last thirty years. Although the research spanned various developmental stages, from embryonic to adult, the majority focused on adult human tissue. Studies involving peripheral nervous system (PNS) tissue were less common, with most research concentrating on the central nervous system (CNS). The connectivity of the visual pathway was the predominant topic of interest in previous investigations. DiI crystals were the most frequently used form, although several studies also employed DiI in paste or dissolved forms. The maximum tracing distances and speeds reported were 70 mm and 1 mm/h, respectively. The study highlighted efforts to enhance tracing efficacy by modifying fixation and incubation conditions, re-applying dye, or using electric fields. Additional research explored expanding the use of DiI, assessing its utility with archival tissues and its compatibility with tissue clearing methods. The integration of DiI tracing with immunohistochemistry in double-labeling studies proved effective in analyzing connectivity in phenotypically distinct neuronal populations within the human CNS and PNS.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
DiI, Carbocyanine dyes, Neuroanatomical tracing, Axonal tracing, Post-mortem human brain, Neuroanatomy
Number of references:
221
File:
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Mavrovounis_MSc thesis_pergamos.pdf
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