Background: To dissect the intricate workings of neural circuits, it is essential to gain precise control over subsets of neurons while retaining the ability to monitor larger-scale circuit dynamics. This requires the ability to both evoke and record neural activity simultaneously with high spatial and temporal resolution.
New method: In this paper we present approaches that address this need by combining micro-electrocorticography (μECoG) with optogenetics in ways that avoid photovoltaic artifacts.
Results: We demonstrate that variations of this approach are broadly applicable across three commonly studied mammalian species - mouse, rat, and macaque monkey - and that the recorded μECoG signal shows complex spectral and spatio-temporal patterns in response to optical stimulation.
Comparison with existing methods: While optogenetics provides the ability to excite or inhibit neural subpopulations in a targeted fashion, large-scale recording of resulting neural activity remains challenging. Recent advances in optical physiology, such as genetically encoded Ca(2+) indicators, are promising but currently do not allow simultaneous recordings from extended cortical areas due to limitations in optical imaging hardware.
Conclusions: We demonstrate techniques for the large-scale simultaneous interrogation of cortical circuits in three commonly used mammalian species.
Keywords: Auditory; Cranial window; ECoG; Epidural; Mouse; NHP; Optogenetics; Parvalbumin; Rat.
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