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Author Spotlight: An Innovative Approach to Neural Electrical Stimulation Using Calcium Imaging
Published on: August 18, 2023
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Calcium Imaging In Electrically Stimulated Flat-Mounted Retinas.
Marina Cunquero1, Maria Marsal1, Gustavo Castro-Olvera1
1Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|August 22, 2023
Summary
This study presents a new ex vivo method to test retinal prostheses. The protocol uses calcium imaging in rat retinas to verify device functionality before in vivo trials.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Retinal dystrophies cause global blindness, driving research into retinal prostheses.
- Current retinal prostheses aim to restore vision by stimulating retinal ganglion cells (GCL).
- Verifying device functionality ex vivo is crucial before in vivo testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive protocol for assessing retinal ganglion cell activity after electrical stimulation.
- To establish a reliable ex vivo method for testing retinal prosthesis functionality.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescently labeling rat retinas with genetically encoded calcium indicators.
- Capturing fluorescence signals via inverted fluorescence microscopy during electrical stimulation.
- Analyzing calcium traces from individual retinal ganglion cells.
Main Results:
- The protocol allows for the study of calcium activity in the GCL in response to electrical stimulation.
- This method provides a way to evaluate stimulation patterns ex vivo.
Conclusions:
- This protocol offers an efficient method for testing new stimulation strategies for retinal prostheses.
- It enables researchers to validate device performance before in vivo implantation, accelerating development.
