Mouse Brain Library
GeneNetwork · Neuroanatomy Slide Archive · mbl.org
Neurogenetics Resource · Est. 1999

The Mouse
Brain Library

High-resolution images and genetic databases of brains from genetically characterized strains of mice. A resource for systematically mapping and characterizing genes that modulate the architecture of the mammalian CNS.

4,372
Slide Records
303
Mouse Strains
3,060px
Image Width
25µm
Per Pixel
30 µm-thick sections stained with cresyl violet.
Coronal & horizontal planes. Celloidin-embedded.
MBL Specimen Workflow
01
Brain Extraction & Fixation
02
12% Celloidin Embedding
03
Microtome Sectioning 30 µm
04
Cresyl Violet Staining
05
High-Resolution Imaging & Archive
Reference
Brain Atlases

Labeled high-resolution cross-sections of mouse brains, including developmental atlases at GD12 and GD16. Includes a step-by-step tutorial for creating your own mouse brain atlas.

View Atlases
Online Microscope
iScope Internet Microscope

Real-time remote access to the physical slides comprising the Mouse Brain Library. Secure user authentication and scheduling ensures reliable, responsive access. Gumbo + Aria3D client software.

Launch iScope
Protocols
MBL Procedures

Detailed protocols covering brain processing, celloidin embedding, microtome sectioning, imaging, calibration, and making data available online. Includes the full MBL Training Manual.

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Micrograph Database
Mouse Optic Nerve Image Database

A collection of high-magnification electron micrographs of the mouse optic nerve suitable for quantitative, comparative, and genetic analysis of axon number, diameter, and myelin morphology.

View MONID
Media
Brain Movies & Tutorials

Series of brain image movies, microscope focus-through sequences, and cell identification movies in QuickTime format. Includes step-by-step tutorial videos for working with the MBL.

View Movies

Mapping the Genetic Architecture of the Mouse CNS

The Mouse Brain Library (MBL) consists of high-resolution images and databases of brains from many genetically characterized strains of mice. The library contains high-resolution images (3,060 × 2,036 pixels, 25 µm per pixel) of individual slides, usually two per case.

"There are numerous uses of the MBL, but our own mission is to systematically map and characterize genes that modulate architecture of the mammalian CNS — for a complete description of our projects refer to our P20 Human Brain Project award: Informatics Center for Mouse Neurogenetics."

We are in the process of acquiring images for more than 1,500 cases, usually 8 cases per strain cut in either the horizontal or coronal planes. All sections are 30 µm-thick sections stained with cresyl violet, an aniline dye that preferentially stains RNA and DNA. Over 800 cases are currently available online.

The MBL is a resource of the Informatics Center for Mouse Neurogenetics and is funded as a Human Brain Project / Neuroinformatics program by the NIDA, NIMH, and NIAAA (P20-DA 21131).

Image & Section Specifications

Image Resolution 3,060 × 2,036 pixels
Spatial Scale 25 µm per pixel
Section Thickness 30 µm
Stain Cresyl violet (Nissl)
Embedding Medium 12% Celloidin
Cutting Planes Coronal & Horizontal
Cases per Strain Typically 8
Slides per Case Usually 2
Total Slide Records 4,372
Unique Strains 303