A PC12 neuron infected with pseudorabies virus PRV GS443 (labeled in green). The green dots moving away from the cell body demonstrates anterograde transport.Viral<unk><unk>  is the use of a virus to trace neural pathways, providing a self-replicating tracer. Viruses have the advantage of self replication over molecular tracers, but can also spread too quickly and cause degradation of neural tissue. Viruses which can infect the nervous system, called neurotropic viruses, spread through spatially close assemblies of neurons through synapses, allowing for their use in studying functionally connected neural networks. The use of viruses to label functionally connected neurons stems from the work done by Albert Sabin, who developed a bioassay, which could assess the infection of viruses across neurons. Subsequent research allowed for incorporation of immunohistochemical techniques to systematically label<unk>  connections. To date, viruses have been used to study multiple circuits in the nervous system.
Viral neuronal tracing
Neuroproteomics
Brain fingerprinting
Brain mapping
Clinical neurochemistry
Luria-Nebraska neuropsychological battery
Neuroreflexotherapy
Stereoelectroencephalography