Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2017, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (1): 53-55.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.198974

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Three-dimensional histology: new visual approaches to morphological changes during neural regeneration

Hei Ming Lai1, Ho Man Ng1, Wutian Wu1, 2, 3, 4, *   

  1. 1 School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative
    Region, China
    2 State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
    3 Research Center of Reproduction, Development and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
    4 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2016-11-10 Online:2017-01-15 Published:2017-01-15
  • Contact: Wutian Wu, M.D., wtwu@hku.hk.

Abstract:

Three-dimensional (3D) histology utilizes tissue clearing techniques to turn intact tissues transparent, allowing rapid interrogation of tissue architecture in three dimensions. In this article, we summarized the available tissue clearing methods and classified them according to their physicochemical principles of operation,
which provided a framework for one to choose the best techniques for various research settings. Recent attempts in addressing various questions regarding the degenerating and regenerating nervous system have been promising with the use of 3D histological techniques.

Key words: three-dimensional histology, tissue clearing, neuronal morphology, neuronal network