Apoptosis Techniques and Protocols

Apoptosis Techniques and Protocols, 2nd Edition provides a description of a number of current methods highly relevant to the study of neuronal apoptosis. Leading authors provide methods that are used in the study of apoptotic cells as applied to neuronal cell apoptosis, especially outlining the advantages and disadvantages of these methods over others, providing experimental protocols and a general literature background for each topic. This book offers detailed protocols for (1) the detection of three key proteins involved in neuronal apoptosis, Bax protein, cytochrome c and caspases, (2) the direct assessment of the role of pro-apoptotic proteins in neurons by viral infections and microinjections, (3) protocols for the study of apoptosis mechanisms in neuronal compartments using the Campenot compartmentalized chambers, (4) methods describing the study of synaptosis, (5) protocols to establish gene expression profiles in neurodegenerative brain tissues by using DNA microarrays, and (7) protocols to detect pro-apoptotic proteins in situ. This book integrates neuroscience with methods to detect apoptosis, and will be essential reading for all neuroscientists studying apoptosis.