The Osmium-Ethyl Gallate Procedure is Superior to Silver Impregnations for Mapping Neuronal Pathways

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Esther M. Leise, Professor (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Ganglia processed through the osmium-ethyl gallate procedure (OEG)¹⁹ retain more structural integrity than those processed through various silver impregnation methods. However, the OEG method continues to be neglected by most neuroanatomists. Both types of procedures have been used to trace large neuronal tracts, but during silver impregnation the neuropils lose many of their identifying characteristics. We demonstrate here the advantages of the OEG procedure by comparing it with two silver techniques, Rowell’s¹¹ and Holmes's⁵. The OEG method yields consistent and reliable results and is easier to carry out than silver protocols. Most importantly, the better preservation of the neuropils has led to the discovery and study of regional specializations that were previously undetected from silver preparations.

The Osmium-Ethyl Gallate Procedure is Superior to Silver Impregnations for Mapping Neuronal Pathways
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Additional Information

Publication

Brain Research 367(1/2):265-272.

Language: English

Date: 1986

Keywords

crayfish ethyl gallate, nervous system, osmium, silver impregnation

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