SpineRacks and SpinalJ for efficient analysis of neurons in a 3D reference atlas of the mouse spinal cord.

ABSTRACT

Spatial analysis of spinal neurons is currently limited by a lack of tools for efficient preparation and imaging of the whole spinal cord (SC) and the absence of a 3D reference atlas. Here, we describe protocols for efficient sectioning of whole SC using SpineRacks and subsequent image registration, atlas mapping, and 3D analysis of cells and projections, using SpinalJ. Together, these tools enable high-throughput analyses of adult mouse SC and direct comparison of spatial information of neurons between animals and studies. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Fiederling et al. (2021).