Confocal microscopy

Objectives

Confocal laser scanning microscopy is a technique developed for obtaining high-resolution optical images. This technique is particularly useful to examine double or triple immunofluorescent labelling, developed for example to examine the distribution and localization of different molecules (receptors, peptides, enzymes, etc…) on same tissues.

Summarized methodology

Fluorescent immunocytochemistry using antibodies against molecules of interest is performed on slices of tissue. Then, high-resolution optical images are acquired using confocal laser scanning microscopy which allows the analysis and quantification of the labelling.

Endpoints

localisation of molecules of interest
number and percentage of double or triple labeled positive cells

(cf. Neuro-anatomical tracing techniques)

C_Imm_Con_HG_1_1.jpg Figure 1: Double immunofluorescent labelling showing the brain neurons projecting to the vagina and the clitoris (evidenced by the retrograde tracer PRV injected in these organs) and expressing oxytocin (OT).(From Gelez, H. et al. ESSM/ISSM conference; 2008).

Figure 1: Double immunofluorescent labelling showing the brain neurons projecting to the vagina and the clitoris (evidenced by the retrograde tracer PRV injected in these organs) and expressing oxytocin (OT).(From Gelez, H. et al. ESSM/ISSM conference; 2008).

Figure 2: Trible immunofluorescent labelling showing the brain neurons projecting to the vagina and the clitoris (evidenced by the retrograde tracer PRV injected in these organs) and expressing oxytocin (OT) and the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) .(From Gelez, H. et al. ESSM/ISSM conference; 2008).

Related Pelvipharm bibliography

Gelez, H et al.
J Sex Med (2010) : 7(6):2056-2067

Gelez, H. et al.
(ESSM/ISSM 2008) : Oral presentation

Links to applicable Targeted disorders / Pathophysiological models

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