Biotin-dextran is used in tissue staining to prepare neurons for detection by avidin-conjugated detection systems. It is taken up by neuronal processes and transported bi-directionally. It infiltrates axon boutons in the anterograde direction and dendritic processes in the retrograde direction.
[1] Staining can be observed in fixed and sectioned tissue from two days to two weeks after biotin-dextran is injected into the brain or spinal cord. It can also be applied to cut nerve tracts.
[2] Biotinylated neurons are detected by either light or electron microscopy following incubation with avidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate and the electron-dense substrate 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB).
[3]