Fluoro-Jade B: a high affinity fluorescent marker for the localization of neuronal degeneration

Fluoro-Jade B, like its predecessor Fluoro-Jade, is an anionic fluorescein derivative useful for the histological staining of neurons undergoing degen eration. However, Fluoro-Jade B has an even greater specific affinity for d egenerating neurons. This notion is supported by the conspicuous staining o f degenerating neuronal elements with minimal background staining. This imp roved signal-to-noise ratio means that fine neuronal processes including di stal dendrites, axons and axon terminals can be more readily detected and d ocumented. Although the staining time and dye concentration are reduced, th e method is as rapid, simple and reliable as the original Fluoro-Jade techn ique. Like Fluoro-Jade, Fluoro-Jade B is compatible with a number of other labeling procedures including immunofluorescent and fluorescent Nissl techn iques, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.