Extracellular Matrix [Paperback]

This volume provides comprehensive procedures for analyzing the extracellular matrix in native, injured, and engineered neural tissues. Divided into four parts, each focusing on different aspects of the extracellular matrix and the nervous system, Extracellular Matrix covers methods to analyze native tissue, in vitro models for investigating cell-extracellular matrix interactions in a variety of contexts, protocols to investigate the role of the extracellular matrix in nervous system injury, degeneration, and regeneration, as well as therapeutics and engineered systems. Each chapter is written by leading experts and presents established protocols in a concise format, encompassing current technologies as well as methods developed over years of research. Beginning with an introduction to the method, chapters continue with a listing of the materials and equipment, step-by-step protocols, and a Notes section with troubleshooting tips, supplemental details and alternative approaches, as well as a list of references for further information.

As part of the practical and convenient Neuromethods series, Extracellular Matrix serves as an invaluable aid for researchers studying this vital area of neuroscience.

Part I: Native Tissue

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1. Immunohistochemical Characterization of Brain Neural and Vascular Basement Membranes

Zhen Huang

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2. The Use of Synaptic Basal Lamina and Its Components to Identify Sites of Recent Morphological Alterations at Mammalian Neuromuscular Junctions

Young il Lee and Yue Li

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3. Perineuronal Nets: A Special Structure in the Central Nervous System Extracellular Matrix

Jessica C.F. Kwok, Simona Foscarin, and James W. Fawcett

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Part II: In Vitro ModellC9