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Implantation of a Cranial Window for Repeated In Vivo Imaging in Awake Mice
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Removable cranial windows for long-term imaging in awake mice
Glenn J Goldey1, Demetris K Roumis2, Lindsey L Glickfeld3
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, CLS701, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Nature Protocols
|October 3, 2014
Summary
This study presents a detailed surgical protocol for cranial window implantation in mice, enabling long-term optical access for brain imaging. The method allows for repeated window replacement, facilitating chronic studies of cortical function in behaving animals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Surgical Techniques
- Optical Imaging
Background:
- Cranial window implants offer stable optical access to rodent cortex for extended periods.
- Chronic imaging in awake, behaving animals is crucial for understanding brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed and reliable surgical protocol for cranial window implantation in mice.
- To enable chronic wide-field and cellular imaging in awake, head-fixed mice.
- To facilitate subsequent window removal and replacement for long-term studies.
Main Methods:
- Detailed surgical protocol for cranial window implantation in head-fixed mice.
- Procedure allows for repeated window removal and replacement over weeks and months.
- Integration with techniques like virus injections and two-photon imaging.
Main Results:
- Successful chronic imaging in adolescent and adult mice over several months.
- Enabled targeted virus and tracer injections based on functional mapping.
- Facilitated functionally targeted two-photon imaging across all cortical layers.
Conclusions:
- The protocol extends the capabilities of chronic imaging in behaving animals.
- This method supports long-term investigation of cortical function and dysfunction.
- Enhances research into brain activity during natural behaviors.
