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Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Optokinetic Response As Structural and Functional Visual System Readouts in Mice and Rats
Published on: January 10, 2019
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Optical imaging of the rat brain suggests a previously missing link between top-down and bottom-up nervous system
Susan A Greenfield1, Antoine-Scott Badin1,2, Giovanni Ferrati1
1Neuro-Bio Ltd., Building F5, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, United Kingdom.
Neurophotonics
|June 3, 2017
Summary
Voltage-sensitive dye imaging visualizes brain activity at the mesoscale, revealing how neuronal assemblies link cellular and cognitive processes. This versatile technique differentiates brain states influenced by development, sensory input, and anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
- Optical Imaging
Background:
- Neuronal assemblies are transient coalitions of neurons operating on a subsecond timescale.
- Mesoscale brain organization may link cellular mechanisms to cognitive functions.
- Voltage-sensitive dyes offer a method to visualize these neuronal dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of voltage-sensitive dye imaging for studying neuronal assemblies.
- To reveal differences in brain activity dynamics across various conditions.
- To explore the potential applications of this imaging technique.
Main Methods:
- Utilized voltage-sensitive dye imaging in ex vivo rat brain slices and in vivo.
- Analyzed spatiotemporal dynamics of neuronal assemblies.
- Investigated effects of development, sensory modalities, and psychoactive drugs.
Main Results:
- Observed distinct spatiotemporal dynamics of neuronal assemblies under different conditions.
- Differentiated between cortical and subcortical areas during development.
- Revealed varied effects of anesthetics and sensory modalities on brain activity.
Conclusions:
- Voltage-sensitive dye imaging is a powerful and versatile tool for neuroscience research.
- This technique can evaluate neurochemical signaling, screen drugs, and inform theories of consciousness.
- Mesoscale analysis of neuronal assemblies provides novel insights into brain function.
