Chronic imaging of cortical sensory map dynamics using a genetically encoded calcium indicator

J Physiol. 2012 Jan 1;590(1):99-107. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.219014. Epub 2011 Nov 14.

Abstract

In vivo optical imaging can reveal the dynamics of large-scale cortical activity, but methods for chronic recording are limited. Here we present a technique for long-term investigation of cortical map dynamics using wide-field ratiometric fluorescence imaging of the genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) Yellow Cameleon 3.60. We find that wide-field GECI signals report sensory-evoked activity in anaesthetized mouse somatosensory cortex with high sensitivity and spatiotemporal precision, and furthermore, can be measured repeatedly in separate imaging sessions over multiple weeks. This method opens new possibilities for the longitudinal study of stability and plasticity of cortical sensory representations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Dependovirus / genetics
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fluorescence
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Somatosensory Cortex / metabolism
  • Somatosensory Cortex / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • yellow cameleon
  • Calcium