Techniques

This technique involves processing for Electron Microscopy, imaging and quantitative analysis for investigation of structural bodies at the highly detailed Electron Microscopy magnification range. Specimens are fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde and 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS. Specimens are then post-fixed in 1.0% osmium tetroxide and embedded in Epon epoxy resin.

Imaging, evaluation and measurement of the of Alpha-Synuclein protein strands in the human central nervous system; the protein whose gene is believed to cause hereditary forms of Parkinson's Disease (Maguire-Zeiss)

Embedded samples are first sectioned then stained with toluidine blue for light microscopic evaluation. Ultra-thin sections are then cut and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate for examination and image capture on the Hitachi 7100 transmission electron microscope.

The captured images can then be analyzed using quantitative measurement techniques for various uses as determined by the nature of the research.