Adaptable toolbox to characterize Alzheimer’s disease pathology in mouse models

Here, we describe a highly adaptable toolbox for characterizing and analyzing molecular and histopathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models. We detail optimized and streamlined approaches from sample preparation to image analysis to facilitate reproducible analyses. We also describe the extraction and measurement of the soluble Aβ level by sandwich ELISA in the cortex and hippocampus of AD mouse models before and after plaque deposition. Finally, we outline the steps for image quantification and analysis using Imaris and ImageJ. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Huang et al. (2021).1 [Display omitted] •Streamlined steps to prepare fresh mouse brains for histological and biochemical assays•Details for sagittal cryosectioning of mouse brains•Toolbox for assessing molecular and pathological changes in AD mouse models•Highly adaptable techniques to extract and analyze soluble Abeta in AD murine brains Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Here, we describe a highly adaptable toolbox for characterizing and analyzing molecular and histopathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models. We detail optimized and streamlined approaches from sample preparation to image analysis to facilitate reproducible analyses. We also describe the extraction and measurement of the soluble Aβ level by sandwich ELISA in the cortex and hippocampus of AD mouse models before and after plaque deposition. Finally, we outline the steps for image quantification and analysis using Imaris and ImageJ.