A Timm-Nissl multiplane microscopic atlas of rat brain zincergic terminal fields and metal-containing glia

Abstract

The ability of Timm’s sulphide silver method to stain zincergic terminal fields has made it a useful neuromorphological marker. Beyond its roles in zinc-signalling and neuromodulation, zinc is involved in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, epilepsy, degenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric conditions. In addition to visualising zincergic terminal fields, the method also labels transition metals in neuronal perikarya and glial cells. To provide a benchmark reference for planning and interpretation of experimental investigations of zinc-related phenomena in rat brains, we have established a comprehensive repository of serial microscopic images from a historical collection of coronally, horizontally and sagittally oriented rat brain sections stained with Timm’s method. Adjacent Nissl-stained sections showing cytoarchitecture, and customised atlas overlays from a three-dimensional rat brain reference atlas registered to each section image are included for spatial reference and guiding identification of anatomical boundaries. The Timm-Nissl atlas, available from EBRAINS, enables experimental researchers to navigate normal rat brain material in three planes and investigate the spatial distribution and density of zincergic terminal fields across the entire brain.