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In Vivo Wide-Field and Two-Photon Calcium Imaging from a Mouse Using a Large Cranial Window
Published on: August 4, 2022
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Longitudinal two-photon calcium imaging with ultra-large cranial window for head-fixed mice
Ryoma Hattori1, Takaki Komiyama1
1Neurobiology Section, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Department of Neurosciences, and Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
STAR Protocols
|May 2, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new protocol for longitudinal in vivo two-photon calcium imaging in mice. It allows researchers to track neural activity across the dorsal cortex at cellular resolution during learning and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Neural activity varies across cortical regions and changes with learning.
- Understanding these dynamics requires advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a protocol for longitudinal in vivo two-photon calcium imaging.
- To enable optical access to most of the dorsal cortex in head-fixed mice.
- To facilitate cellular-resolution tracking of neural activity during behavioral tasks.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an ultra-large cranial window in head-fixed mice.
- Implementing longitudinal two-photon calcium imaging.
- Achieving optical access to diverse dorsal cortical areas within individual animals.
Main Results:
- The protocol provides optical access to any dorsal cortical area.
- It enables longitudinal tracking of neural activity at cellular resolution.
- This facilitates the study of cortical computations during behavior.
Conclusions:
- This protocol is a valuable tool for studying brain function.
- It supports investigations into how neural circuits adapt during learning.
- It aids in understanding cortical computations underlying behavior.
