Using genetically-defined rodent strains for the identification of hippocampal traits relevant for two-way avoidance behavior: a non-invasive approach

Summary Genetically-defined rodent strains permit the identification of hippocampal traits which are of functional relevance for the performance of two-way avoidance behavior. This is exemplified here by analyzing the relationship between infrapyramidal mossy fibers (a tiny projection terminating upon the basal dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons) and two-way avoidance learning in about 800 animals. The necessary steps include 1) identification of structural traits sensitive to selective breeding for extremes in two-way avoidance, 2) testing the robustness of the associations found by studying individual and genetical correlations between hippocampal traits and behavior, 3) establishing causal relationships by Mendelian crossing of strains with extreme structural traits and studying the behavioral consequences of such structural randomization, 4) confirming causal relationships by manipulating the structural variable in inbred (isogenic) strains, thereby eliminating the possibility of genetic linkage, and 5) ruling out the possibility of spurious associations by studying the correlations between the hippocampal trait and other behaviors known to depend on hippocampal functioning.In comparison with the classical lesion approach for identifying relationships between brain and behavior, the present procedure appears to be superior in two aspects: it is non-invasive, and it focuses automatically on those brain traits which are used by natural selection to shape behaviorally-defined animal populations, i.e., it reveals the natural regulators of behavior.     

辣根过氧化物酶技术在鱼类神经解剖中的应用

本文对HRP技术在鱼类神经解剖中的应用作了系统的讨论。从HRP 的引入方法:动物的存活时间、神经组织的固定、取材方法、切片以及组织化学反应和对实验结果的评定等各个方面都作了较为详细的介绍。     

聚乙二醇切片技术及其应用

介绍一种应用聚乙二醇包埋动物组织的新切片制作方法。结果表明，ＰＥＧ切片与传统的石蜡切片相比，有操作步骤简单，快速等优点，将ＰＥＧ切片应用在神经解剖和免疫组织化学实验中，也能获得较好的结果。