BrdU and GFAP Immunohistochemistry: Chromogen detection of thaw-mounted sections v1

The purpose of a BrdU/GFAP dual-stain is to identify proliferating radial glial cells and recently generated astrocytes within the nervous system. By combining a "birth marker" (BrdU, labels dividing cells) with a "cell-type marker" (GFAP, labels radial glia and mature astrocytes), researchers can identify where, when and to what degree neural precursor cells are proliferating and track the location and survival of mature astrocytic progeny. This protocol has been validated in several songbird species, zebrafish, and stickleback fish.