UCSD Neuroscience Accessory for Mice Brain Transverse Hippocampus Section

Acute brain slice preparation is widely used in electrophysiological recordings. Among different brain sections (coronal, sagittal, horizontal, transverse), the transverse section is considered optimal for preserving the most intact neuronal circuitry in the hippocampus. This preservation is essential for obtaining reliable results to analyze hippocampal function. However, the current method for this sectioning process involves a skilled, precise operation, therefore, this project aims to create an efficient, simple component to mount the mouse brain in preparation for the sectioning and adapted to the vibratome machine used for the hippocampus slicing.

• Hold the brain securely at angles up to 45o

• Accommodate various brain sizes

• Fabricate device from biocompatible materials to prevent bacteria growth or harming the brain

• Device should be reusable; if not, then easily mass-produced

• Secure the brain without damaging it (excessive squeezing, puncturing, freezing, etc.)

• Have compatible sizing to mesh well with the vibratome 

• Vibratome blade has an estimated 15mm height range and the lowest setting is only 6mm above the buffer tray. Thus, all components of the device must be under 6mm or placed behind a mouse brain instead 

• Device must be at least 50 mm wide to accommodate the vibratome blade

• Method of preventing blade from coming into contact with the device