Neurovascular coupling: in vivo optical techniques for functional brain imaging

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Optical imaging techniques are crucial for understanding brain biochemical processes and their relation to neural activity.
• Visualizing the interplay between neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels is essential for studying brain function.
• Neurovascular coupling is a key area of research in neuroscience and clinical investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of current in vivo optical imaging techniques for neurovascular coupling events.
• To detail the principles and applications of various optical methods in small animal models.
• To explore the potential translation of these techniques for human clinical studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of established and emerging optical imaging modalities including 2-photon microscopy, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDi), functional photoacoustic microscopy (fPAM), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy imaging (fNIRS).
• Detailed explanation of the fundamental principles underlying each imaging technique.
• Inclusion of multimodal imaging approaches for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• Presentation of current applications of these optical techniques in cutting-edge studies of cerebral neurovascular coupling.
• Examples illustrating the study of neurovascular functions and metabolism in vivo.
• Discussion of the advancements and evolution of in vivo optical imaging capabilities.

Conclusions:

• In vivo optical imaging techniques offer powerful tools for investigating the fundamental basis of neurovascular coupling in cerebral physiology and pathophysiology.
• These techniques are continuously evolving, enhancing our understanding of brain function.
• Potential for translation to human studies promises advancements in clinical investigations of neurological diseases.