The Optically Guided and Pre-assembled Implantation Cranial Window Reveals Cortical Spatial Representations during...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Head-mounted miniaturized microscopes offer advanced neural imaging in freely behaving animals.
• Reliable cranial window designs are crucial for the long-term application of these microscopes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a standardized, cost-effective, and compatible cranial window technique for head-mounted miniaturized microscope imaging.
• To enable precise implantation for chronic, large-scale neural imaging in freely behaving animals.

Main Methods:

• Developed and implemented optically guided and pre-assembled implantation (OGPI), a novel cranial window technique.
• Assessed the compatibility of OGPI with miniaturized microscopes and its adaptability for semiautomated or manual operation.
• Conducted behavioral assessments to evaluate locomotor and spatial cognitive abilities in animals with OGPI windows.
• Performed large-scale cortical imaging in mice during a Y-maze navigation task.

Main Results:

• OGPI supports chronic large-scale neural imaging for over 8 months with preserved animal behavior.
• Neural tuning to position, path, and acceleration was observed in a "salt-and-pepper" pattern across cortices.
• Identified neurons with conjunctive tuning to spatial information and linear acceleration.
• Cortical activity decoded animal position and path accurately, indicating widespread spatial representation.

Conclusions:

• OGPI is an enabling platform and methodological advancement for chronic imaging in freely behaving animals.
• Revealed widespread cortical representation of spatial information, including acceleration-tuned neurons crucial for spatial signaling.
• The study validates OGPI for robust, long-term in vivo neuroscience research.