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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Chronic Imaging of Mouse Visual Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation
11:12

Chronic Imaging of Mouse Visual Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation

Published on: October 25, 2010

Chronic imaging of mouse visual cortex using a thinned-skull preparation.

Emily A Kelly1, Ania K Majewska

  • 1Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester, USA. emily_kelly@urmc.rochester.edu

Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|November 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary

This study presents a minimally invasive thinned-skull preparation for chronic in vivo imaging of the intact brain. This method enables precise tracking of dendritic spine changes over time, crucial for understanding brain plasticity.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • In vivo imaging is essential for studying dynamic cellular processes in the brain.
  • Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) enables visualization of living cells and neuronal activity.
  • Understanding brain plasticity requires observing structural changes at synapses over time.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a protocol for chronic in vivo imaging of the intact brain.
  • To enable long-term monitoring of dendritic spine dynamics.
  • To facilitate research into the mechanisms of brain plasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a thinned-skull preparation for minimally invasive in vivo imaging.
  • Employed two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) for high-resolution imaging.

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Two-Photon in vivo Imaging of Dendritic Spines in the Mouse Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation
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Two-Photon in vivo Imaging of Dendritic Spines in the Mouse Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation

Published on: May 12, 2014

A Polished and Reinforced Thinned-skull Window for Long-term Imaging of the Mouse Brain
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A Polished and Reinforced Thinned-skull Window for Long-term Imaging of the Mouse Brain

Published on: March 7, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Chronic Imaging of Mouse Visual Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation
11:12

Chronic Imaging of Mouse Visual Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation

Published on: October 25, 2010

Two-Photon in vivo Imaging of Dendritic Spines in the Mouse Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation
09:53

Two-Photon in vivo Imaging of Dendritic Spines in the Mouse Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation

Published on: May 12, 2014

A Polished and Reinforced Thinned-skull Window for Long-term Imaging of the Mouse Brain
09:49

A Polished and Reinforced Thinned-skull Window for Long-term Imaging of the Mouse Brain

Published on: March 7, 2012

  • Performed chronic imaging of the same brain area over multiple time points.

    • Main Results:

    • Demonstrated a protocol for successful chronic in vivo imaging in an intact brain.
    • Achieved microscopic resolution for tracking dendritic spine morphology over time.
    • Minimized inflammatory responses through a less invasive surgical approach.

    Conclusions:

    • The thinned-skull preparation allows for prolonged, high-resolution imaging of the intact brain.
    • This technique is valuable for studying dynamic changes in dendritic spines and brain plasticity.
    • The protocol reduces invasiveness, promoting healthier long-term in vivo observations.