Immunofluorescence protocol for localizing protein targets in brain tissue from diverse model and non-model mammals

STAR Protoc. 2023 Sep 15;4(3):102482. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102482. Epub 2023 Aug 9.

Abstract

Previous immunostaining protocols are highly specific for model organisms and often not suitable for diverse specimens that are non-perfused and over-fixed (i.e., tissues sitting in fixatives for months/year). Here, we present an immunofluorescence protocol for localizing protein targets in brain tissue from 11 model and non-model mammals. We describe preparation of both fresh and fixed tissues including steps for deparaffinization, fixation, and cryoprotection. We then detail immunofluorescence procedures including antigen retrieval, reducing autofluorescence, nuclear staining, mounting, and image collection.

Keywords: Evolutionary Biology; Neuroscience.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain*
  • Fixatives
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Mammals*
  • Tissue Fixation / methods

Substances

  • Fixatives