The Why Files
096_Brain ecosystem
"1. This is a section of mouse hippocampus that has been stained with fluorescent antibodies (immunohistochemsitry) to highlight two types of cells: Neurons (blue) and Astrocytes (green). In addition, the bright pink stain highlights other types of cell nuclei.
2. Neurons once took center stage in the study of learning and memory. However as depicted in this photo, the brain contains a rich ecosystem of different cell types that work together for the brain to properly function. The fluorescent green astrocytes (greek for ""star cell"") are one of the most numerous types of cells in the brain. They are dynamically involved in synaptic transmission, metabolic and ionic homeostasis, inflammatory response, antioxidant defense, trophic support of neurons, as well as in the establishment and maintenance of the blood–brain barrier.
3. Imaging methods like this help to determine if drug treatments targeting one type of cell have detrimental affects on the other members of the brain's ecosystem."
Holly Hung, graduate student
Cellular and Molecular Pathology
096_Brain ecosystem
"1. This is a section of mouse hippocampus that has been stained with fluorescent antibodies (immunohistochemsitry) to highlight two types of cells: Neurons (blue) and Astrocytes (green). In addition, the bright pink stain highlights other types of cell nuclei.
2. Neurons once took center stage in the study of learning and memory. However as depicted in this photo, the brain contains a rich ecosystem of different cell types that work together for the brain to properly function. The fluorescent green astrocytes (greek for ""star cell"") are one of the most numerous types of cells in the brain. They are dynamically involved in synaptic transmission, metabolic and ionic homeostasis, inflammatory response, antioxidant defense, trophic support of neurons, as well as in the establishment and maintenance of the blood–brain barrier.
3. Imaging methods like this help to determine if drug treatments targeting one type of cell have detrimental affects on the other members of the brain's ecosystem."
Holly Hung, graduate student
Cellular and Molecular Pathology