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BrdU assay for neurogenesis in rodents

Wojtowicz,J.M. and Kee,N.

Abstract:

Neurogenesis within the adult central nervous system is demonstrated using exogenous cell tracer, 5ý-bromo-2ý-deoxyuridine (BrdU), in combination with endogenous neuronal markers. Specific primary antibodies raised against these markers are widely available and their visualization is possible with the use of the fluorescently tagged secondary antibodies. BrdU is a thymidine analogue that incorporates into dividing cells during DNA synthesis. Once incorporated into the new DNA, BrdU will remain in place and be passed down to daughter cells upon division. Typically, BrdU is injected intraperitoneally. Different survival times required by the desired experimental time line will yield data on specific phases of neurogenesis: proliferation, differentiation and maturation. One of the drawbacks of using BrdU is the dependence on stressful injection procedure and uncertain penetration of the targeted cells with uniform concentration of the compound. Thus, for experiments requiring measurements of cell proliferation, Ki-67 can be used as an acceptable alternative. The protocol takes three to five days allowing for sectioning and staining.

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