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Targeted Labeling of Neurons in a Specific Functional Micro-domain of the Neocortex by Combining Intrinsic Signal and Two-photon Imaging

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Published on: December 12, 2012

Protocol for recording visual maps in the mouse superior colliculus and visual cortex with intrinsic optical imaging.

Flora Boutet-Porretta¹, Josien Visser², Arthur Matthys¹

¹Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, PSL-Neuro, Université PSL, Paris, France; Doctoral School N°158, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.

|March 13, 2026

Summary

This study introduces a rapid protocol using intrinsic optical imaging (IOI) to map visual functions in the mouse superior colliculus (SC) and visual cortex (V1). The method achieves retinotopy and orientation maps in the SC quickly and efficiently.

Keywords:

Cognitive Neuroscience Microscopy Systems biology

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Visual System Research
Functional Brain Imaging

Background:

Intrinsic optical imaging (IOI) is crucial for mapping visual functions in the mouse brain.
Existing methods for mapping the superior colliculus (SC) and primary visual cortex (V1) can be time-consuming.
Efficient protocols are needed for detailed analysis of visual processing.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a rapid protocol for intrinsic optical imaging (IOI) in the mouse SC and V1.
To enable quick mapping of retinotopy and orientation preference in the SC.
To facilitate the acquisition of ocular dominance maps in V1.

Main Methods:

Utilized periodic stimulation and Fourier analysis for mapping SC retinotopy and orientation preference.
Employed independent monocular stimulation for obtaining V1 ocular dominance maps.
Provided detailed instructions for surgical preparation, imaging setup, and data preprocessing.

Main Results:

Successfully mapped retinotopy and orientation preference in the mouse SC within 15 minutes.
Enabled the acquisition of ocular dominance maps in V1.
Demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of the presented IOI protocol.

Conclusions:

The developed protocol offers a fast and effective method for visual functional mapping in the mouse SC and V1.
This technique significantly reduces the time required for obtaining detailed visual maps.
The protocol provides a valuable tool for neuroscience research on visual processing.