In Vivo Calcium Imaging During Axon Degeneration in Zebrafish

In vivo calcium imaging in zebrafish provides the ability to investigate calcium dynamics within neurons. Utilizing genetically encoded calcium sensors it is possible to monitor calcium signals within a single axon during axon injury and degeneration with high temporal and spatial resolution. Here we will describe in vivo, time-lapse confocal imaging methods of calcium imaging. Imaging of calcium dynamics with genetically encoded calcium sensors (GECS) within living axons can serve as a method to assess axonal physiology and effects of pharmacologic and genetic manipulation, as well as characterize responses to different injury models.