Electron Microscopy of Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junctions
Adapted from Drosophila Neurobiology (ed. Zhang et al.). CSHL Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA, 2010.INTRODUCTION
Over the last two decades, the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction has gained immense popularity as a model system for the study of synaptic development, function, and plasticity. With this model, it is easy to visualize synapses and manipulate the system genetically with a high degree of temporal and spatial control, which makes it ideal for resolving problems in synaptic physiology and development. This article describes the preparation of Drosophila larval body-wall muscles for imaging by electron microscopy. The samples are fixed, stained, and embedded in Spurr’s resin before being sectioned for electron microscopy.
