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Optogenetic Functional MRI
Published on: April 19, 2016
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True and apparent optogenetic BOLD fMRI signals.
Florian Schmid1, Lydia Wachsmuth1, Franziska Albers1
1Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|January 19, 2016
Summary
Optogenetic fMRI (ofMRI) can detect specific brain activation but may produce artifacts. This study established control experiments to validate optogenetic stimulation specificity and avoid erroneous results.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Optogenetic fMRI (ofMRI) is a powerful technique for studying brain function.
- The method is susceptible to artifacts, particularly those induced by light.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate two specific light-induced artifacts in ofMRI: heat-induced apparent BOLD activation and stimulation light-induced activation of visual pathways.
- To establish control experiments for validating the specificity of optogenetic stimulation.
Main Methods:
- ofMRI was conducted in rats using excitatory opsins (ChR2, C1V1TT) in the somatosensory cortex or thalamus.
- Control experiments involved constant low-level illumination and direct visual stimulation to differentiate true optogenetic effects from artifacts.
Main Results:
- Specific optogenetic BOLD activation was observed with both opsins.
- Activation in visual pathways was confirmed as physiological but also influenced by light delivery, suggesting it as a source of the BOLD signal.
- Heat-induced BOLD was ruled out as an artifact through control experiments.
Conclusions:
- ofMRI holds significant potential for neuroimaging and neurophysiology.
- Control experiments are crucial for distinguishing true optogenetic BOLD signals from artifacts, ensuring the method's reliability.
