Preferential loading of bergmann glia with synthetic acetoxymethyl calcium dyes

Cold Spring Harb Protoc. 2011 Oct 1;2011(10):1228-31. doi: 10.1101/pdb.prot065813.

Abstract

The cerebellar cortex contains two astrocyte types: the Bergmann glia of the molecular layer and the velate protoplasmic astrocytes of the granule cell layer. In vivo, these cell types generate both subcellular calcium transients and trans-glial calcium waves. This protocol outlines a method for in vivo calcium imaging in cerebellar astrocytes of mice which have undergone a cerebellar craniotomy. Multicell bolus loading (MCBL) is performed using the synthetic calcium indicators Fluo-5F AM and Fluo-4 AM. In the cerebellum, a degree of cell-type specificity can be achieved by varying the depth of injection. This protocol describes a loading procedure following craniotomy which allows preferential labeling of Bergmann glia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes / chemistry
  • Calcium / chemistry*
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Neuroglia / chemistry*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Calcium