Laser speckle contrast imaging to measure changes in cerebral blood flow

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a powerful tool capable of acquiring detailed maps of blood flow in arteries and veins on the cortical surface. Based on the blurring of laser speckle patterns by the motion of blood cells, LSCI can be combined with a variety of optical imaging preparations to acquire high-spatiotemporal resolution images of blood flow, and track changes in blood flow over time, using relatively simple instrumentation. Here, we describe methods for LSCI of cerebral blood flow via a thin skull imaging preparation in mice or rats. This preparation allows precise semiquantitative mapping of changes in blood flow over time using straightforward surgical protocols and equipment.