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Autometallographic enhancement of the Golgi-Cox staining enables high resolution visualization of dendrites and spines

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Abstract

We present a method for autometallographic (AMG) enhancement of the Golgi-Cox staining enabling high resolution visualization of dendrites and spines. The method is cheaper and more flexible than conventional enhancement procedures performed with commercial photographic developers. The staining procedure is thoroughly described and we demonstrate with qualitative and quantitative data, how histological tissue sectioning, Golgi-Cox immersion time and different AMG enhancement length may influence the staining of dendrites and spines in the rat hippocampus. The described method will be of value for future behavioural-anatomical studies, examining changes in dendrite branching and spine density caused by brain diseases and their subsequent treatment.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge with gratitude the skilful assistance of Ms. D. Jensen. This study was supported by grants from The Lundbeck Foundation, and The Danish Medical Research Council (FSS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Anatomy, The Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Alle, Building 1233/1234, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

    Dariusz Orlowski & Carsten R. Bjarkam

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, Building 10, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

    Carsten R. Bjarkam

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  1. Dariusz Orlowski
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  2. Carsten R. Bjarkam
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Correspondence to Dariusz Orlowski.

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Orlowski, D., Bjarkam, C.R. Autometallographic enhancement of the Golgi-Cox staining enables high resolution visualization of dendrites and spines. Histochem Cell Biol 132, 369–374 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-009-0611-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-009-0611-3

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