For the study of single synapses, cell-based imaging has proved to be a valuable tool. Creative Biolabs provides global customers with advanced cell-based imaging techniques to promote psychiatric disease research.
Introduction to Cell-Based Imaging
Many processes that shape the brain’s responses to the environment are thought to operate at the level of individual synapses. The axon of a single pyramidal cell, for example, is able to form connections with very different characteristics depending on the type and the activity of the postsynaptic cell. However, electrophysiology typically reports the summed activity of many synapses. For the study of single synapses in situ, functional imaging has proved to be a valuable tool. Most excitatory synapses in the cortex are located on spines, tiny protrusions of the dendrite that act as biochemical compartments. By optically monitoring calcium transients in spines, the local postsynaptic response after activation of a single synapse can be measured. The amplitude and duration of postsynaptic calcium transients are known to be critical for the induction of long-term plasticity, so by measuring these transients we can tap into the very process that shapes synaptic properties on longer time scales.
Cell-based Imaging Methods
Two-photon microscope is a laser scanning microscope that uses a long-wavelength laser to excite fluorescence (near-infrared, 800-1000 nm). At these wavelengths, the energy of a single photon is not sufficient to excite fluorescent dye molecules. It is only if two photons are absorbed at the same time by a dye molecule, this molecule will reach the excited state and subsequently emit a photon. Using two-photon microscopy, we could monitor the activity of single synapses in acute brain slices. The local environment of a synapse can have a profound impact on its function. For example, glutamate released by presynaptic terminals is taken up by surrounding glial cells, reducing glutamate pooling and spillover between neighboring synapses.
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Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
FRET uses two matched fluorescent indicators where the emission spectrum of the shorter wavelength dye (donor) overlaps with the absorption spectrum of the acceptor dye. Radiationless energy transfer occurs only when the donor and acceptor are in close proximity. The efficiency of FRET depends on the distance between the two molecules raised to the power of 6. Therefore, this technique is extremely useful for co-localization studies.
Services at Creative Biolabs
As an industry-leading CRO, Creative Biolabs has proven expertise in psychotropic drug development and aspires to become a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of psychotropic drug development. With years of experience in this field, we are professional in offering cell-based imaging technology services and providing satisfying services to global customers. Our Ph.D. level experts can provide any kind of solutions for your detailed demand.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
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