Monkey-MIMMS: Towards Automated Cellular Resolution Large- Scale Two-Photon Microscopy In The Awake Macaque Monkey

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microscopy Technology

Background:

• Macaque brain size and curvature pose significant challenges for two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2P-LSM).
• Existing microscope designs lack the necessary range of motion for comprehensive cortical access.
• Physiological pulsations and movement artifacts impede stable imaging in awake subjects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel microscope and implant platform for high-resolution 2P-LSM in macaque cortex.
• To enable repeatable, motorized positioning for imaging across the dorsal cortical convexity.
• To minimize motion artifacts for stable neuronal imaging in awake macaques.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of a specialized microscope and implant platform with 5-axis motorized positioning.
• Testing the system on an awake macaque to image fluorescently labeled neurons.
• Quantification of motion artifacts during imaging.

Main Results:

• The developed platform allows for repeatable and stable imaging at any point on the macaque dorsal cortex.
• Motion artifacts were successfully limited to several microns during imaging of awake macaques.
• The system facilitates precise access to cortical regions previously challenging for 2P-LSM.

Conclusions:

• The presented microscope and implant platform effectively addresses the challenges of 2P-LSM in macaque brains.
• This technology enables stable, high-resolution imaging of neuronal activity in awake primates.
• The system represents a significant advancement for neuroscience research requiring detailed cortical visualization.