Protocol to study synapse density or volume— SynDOVE—in brain using confocal microscopy and Imaris three-dimensional surface rendering software
Output Details
Description
This is a step-by-step protocol for analyzing pre- and postsynaptic loci in fixed brain sections using confocal microscopy images and Imaris software. We describe steps for capturing z stack images of immunofluorescent-labeled synaptic proteins using a confocal microscope. We then detail procedures for deconvolving images, rendering three-dimensional (3D) surface reconstructions of synaptic markers, and isolating closely juxtaposed pre- and post-synaptic 3D surfaces, herein termed “synaptic loci.’’ This protocol allows for quantitation of synaptic loci density, as well as pre- and postsynaptic volumes.
Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104465
