A video on how to perform a perfusion by Gage et al. (2012)
This is a well conceived video on perfusion. It is important to note that the apparatus for perfusing buffers and paraformaldehyde differs from lab to lab. Still, the procedure described in this video is very sound and well described. Given the widespread use of perfusions in research, any researcher would do well to read about the principles behind the technique. Those interested should pursue other resources to learn more about the procedure.
Some relevant questions you might want to answer for yourself:
--What precautions must be taken when handling the chemicals used in this process?
--Why is paraformaldehyde used instead of formalin for immunohistochemistry?
--What is Sodium Azide? Why is it used? Are there any disadvantages to using sodium Azide?
--What is being preserved using this method? What is not being preserved?
--Name a few alternative approaches to retrieving neural tissue
--What is a good rule of thumb for the amount of fluid needed to pass through the body during a perfusion?
D.J. Barker
