High-resolution synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography as a tool to unveil the three-dimensional neuronal architecture of the brain

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 12074 - 13
• Main Authors: Fonseca, Matheus de Castro, Araujo, Bruno Henrique Silva, Dias, Carlos Sato Baraldi, Archilha, Nathaly Lopes, Neto, Dionísio Pedro Amorim, Cavalheiro, Esper, Westfahl, Harry, da Silva, Antônio José Roque, Franchini, Kleber Gomes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 13.08.2018; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 14; 631/114/1564; 631/57; Brain; Brain architecture; Golgi apparatus; Humanities and Social Sciences; Mercury; Microstructure; multidisciplinary; Nervous system; Neural networks; Neuroimaging; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Tomography
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30501-x

The assessment of neuronal number, spatial organization and connectivity is fundamental for a complete understanding of brain function. However, the evaluation of the three-dimensional (3D) brain cytoarchitecture at cellular resolution persists as a great challenge in the field of neuroscience. In this context, X-ray microtomography has shown to be a valuable non-destructive tool for imaging a broad range of samples, from dense materials to soft biological specimens, arisen as a new method for deciphering the cytoarchitecture and connectivity of the brain. In this work we present a method for imaging whole neurons in the brain, combining synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography with the Golgi-Cox mercury-based impregnation protocol. In contrast to optical 3D techniques, the approach shown here does neither require tissue slicing or clearing, and allows the investigation of several cells within a 3D region of the brain.