Full Mouse Cryosectioning

Authors: Lauren Varagnolo, Stephen Savoia

SUNY Campus: Farmingdale State College

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 38

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: At Cold Spring Harbor, the Mitra Lab developed the Tape Transfer Sectioning System to quickly section tissue for imaging. Using serial scanning microscopes, researchers generate high-resolution digital images of the sections to help create a comprehensive brain map that can be shared with the scientific community. While there’s already an established protocol for sectioning whole skulls of mice, there is currently no standardized method for cryosectioning an entire mouse, including its nerves. This project aimed to explore different approaches to developing a reliable protocol. To test different approaches, we processed five mice using slightly different protocols, adjusting solution types and incubation times. One of the most significant findings was that a longer decalcification period resulted in better tissue preservation, improving section quality. However, a major challenge was water crystallization within the tissue, likely due to the freezing method used. Despite this issue, four out of five mice produced usable data, suggesting that refining the protocol further could lead to a reliable method for whole-mouse cryosectioning. This research has the potential to improve whole-body imaging techniques, making it easier for scientists to study neural and anatomical structures in greater detail. This summer, I will return to Cold Spring Harbor to continue refining the protocol and work toward creating a method that can be widely used in neuroscience and biomedical research.