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Two-photon Calcium Imaging in Neuronal Dendrites in Brain Slices
Published on: March 15, 2018
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Visualizing mammalian brain area interactions by dual-axis two-photon calcium imaging
Jérôme Lecoq1, Joan Savall2, Dejan Vučinić1
1James H. Clark Center for Biomedical Engineering &Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Nature Neuroscience
|November 18, 2014
Summary
We developed a new two-photon microscope to simultaneously image neural activity in two brain regions. This technology reveals how sensory response variability propagates across cortical networks, specifically from the primary visual cortex to the lateromedial visual area.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Optical Imaging
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Fluorescence calcium imaging allows large-scale neural activity recording.
- Simultaneous imaging of multiple, distinct brain regions is challenging.
- Understanding inter-regional neural communication is crucial for brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel two-photon microscope capable of simultaneous dual-area imaging.
- To investigate the propagation of neural response variability between visual cortical areas.
- To explore large-scale neural network dynamics in behaving mammals.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of a two-photon microscope with two articulated arms and microendoscopes.
- Concurrent calcium imaging of neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) and lateromedial (LM) visual area.
- Analysis of neural activity in behaving mice during sensory stimulation.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous imaging of two brain areas (V1 and LM) was achieved.
- The variability in LM neurons' visual responses was highly dependent on V1 activity.
- Approximately 100-300 neurons were imaged concurrently in each area.
Conclusions:
- Sensory response fluctuations propagate through extended cortical networks.
- V1 activity significantly influences neural response variability in the downstream LM area.
- The developed microscope facilitates the study of inter-regional neural dynamics.
