A simple but accurate method for histological reconstruction of the large-sized brain tissue of the human that is applicable to construction of digitized brain database

Abstract

Research on the human brain has undoubted significance, but our knowledge on its detailed morphology is still limited. We have developed a simple method for reconstruction of large-sized brain tissues of the human. Fixed brains were cut into blocks (maximum size 7 cm x 7 cm x 1 cm), embedded and postfixed in gelatin just one overnight before obtaining complete serial sections with a vibrating microtome. Quality of stained materials was sufficient to create three-dimensional histological maps, where digital reconstructions from adjoining blocks could be accurately combined. The present method will facilitate both direct examination of the human brain and construction of its histological database.