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Simultaneous Imaging of Microglial Dynamics and Neuronal Activity in Awake Mice
Published on: August 23, 2022
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Astrocyte and microvascular imaging in awake animals using two-photon microscopy.
Cam Ha T Tran1, Grant R Gordon
1Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)
|January 14, 2015
Summary
Astrocytes play a role in regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF) by influencing vasodilation. Studying this in awake animals offers a more accurate understanding of neurovascular coupling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neurovascular coupling is crucial for regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF).
- Astrocytes and their calcium signaling (Ca2+) are increasingly recognized for their role in activity-dependent vasodilation.
- Current research methods have limitations in fully understanding astrocyte-mediated CBF regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding and controversies surrounding astrocyte involvement in activity-dependent vasodilation.
- To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of in vitro and in vivo methodologies for studying neurovascular coupling.
- To highlight the benefits of using awake and behaving animal models for studying CBF regulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on astrocyte function in CBF regulation.
- Critical analysis of in vitro (e.g., acute brain slices) and in vivo (e.g., anesthetized animals) experimental approaches.
- Discussion of advanced imaging techniques in awake, behaving animals.
Main Results:
- In vitro and anesthetized in vivo models present limitations and confounding factors.
- Anesthesia can significantly alter physiological responses relevant to CBF regulation.
- Imaging in awake, behaving animals provides a more physiologically relevant context.
Conclusions:
- Existing methodologies for studying astrocyte control of cerebral blood flow have significant limitations.
- Awake and behaving animal preparations offer a promising avenue to resolve controversies in neurovascular coupling.
- Further research using advanced imaging in unanesthetized animals is needed to elucidate astrocyte roles in CBF regulation.
