A Vector-Based Method to Analyze the Topography of Glial Networks

  • Anisotropy of tracer-coupled networks is a hallmark in many brain regions. In the past, the topography of these networks was analyzed using various approaches, which focused on different aspects, e.g., position, tracer signal, or direction of coupled cells. Here, we developed a vector-based method to analyze the extent and preferential direction of tracer spreading. As a model region, we chose the lateral superior olive—a nucleus that exhibits specialized network topography. In acute slices, sulforhodamine 101-positive astrocytes were patch-clamped and dialyzed with the GJ-permeable tracer neurobiotin, which was subsequently labeled with avidin alexa fluor 488. A predetermined threshold was used to differentiate between tracer-coupled and tracer-uncoupled cells. Tracer extent was calculated from the vector means of tracer-coupled cells in four 90° sectors. We then computed the preferential direction using a rotating coordinate system and post hoc fitting of these results with a sinusoidal function. The new method allows for an objective analysis of tracer spreading that provides information about shape and orientation of GJ networks. We expect this approach to become a vital tool for the analysis of coupling anisotropy in many brain regions
Metadaten
Author:Sara Eitelmann, Jan HirtzORCiD, Jonathan StephanORCiD
URN:urn:nbn:de:hbz:386-kluedo-58277
DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20112821
ISSN:1422-0067
Parent Title (English):International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publisher:MDPI
Document Type:Article
Language of publication:English
Date of Publication (online):2019/06/10
Year of first Publication:2019
Publishing Institution:Technische Universität Kaiserslautern
Date of the Publication (Server):2019/12/18
Issue:2019, 20(11)
Page Number:17
Source:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/11/2821
Faculties / Organisational entities:Kaiserslautern - Fachbereich Biologie
DDC-Cassification:5 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik / 570 Biowissenschaften, Biologie
Collections:Open-Access-Publikationsfonds
Licence (German):Zweitveröffentlichung