Our labs use multiple anatomical and immunohistochemical techniques to study development, morphology, connectivity and underlying brain chemistry of developing and adult bats and frogs. These include classical techniques such as golgi, trichrome and cell staining, neuronal tract tracing using fluorescent and non-fluorescent neurobiotin, choleratoxin, PHA-L, lipophilic dyes (DiI, DiA, DiO) and horseradish peroxidase, and immunohistochemical staining for proteins of interest such as GAP-43, Connexin36, apoptotic and cell birth markers such as BrdU, TUNL and PCNA, and a variety of neurotransmitters and synthetic pathways. We also work with colleagues to acquire microCT and MRI images of living and unprocessed specimens.
We use these techniques in combination with 3D modeling software to reconstruct regions of interest in the brain and generate animated and immersive models that provide new ways of looking at anatomical data.
