ABSTRACT
Understanding brain function requires monitoring local and global brain dynamics. Two-photon imaging of the brain across mesoscopic scales has presented trade-offs between imaging area and acquisition speed. We describe a flexible cellular resolution two-photon microscope capable of simultaneous video rate acquisition of four independently targetable brain regions spanning an approximate five-millimeter field of view. With this system, we demonstrate the ability to measure calcium activity across mouse sensorimotor cortex at behaviorally relevant timescales.
Subject(s)
Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton/instrumentation , Neurons/physiology , Optical Imaging/instrumentation , Animals , Calcium/metabolism , Equipment Design , Mice , Neurons/cytology , Sensorimotor Cortex/cytology , Sensorimotor Cortex/physiologyABSTRACT
While the action potential has long been understood to be the fundamental bit of information in brain, how these spikes encode representations of stimuli and drive behavior remains unclear. Large-scale neuronal recordings with cellular and spike-time resolution spanning multiple brain regions are needed to capture relevant network dynamics that can be sparse and distributed across the population. This review focuses on recent advancements in optical methods that have pushed the boundaries for simultaneous population recordings at increasing volumes, distances, depths, and speeds. The integration of these technologies will be critical for overcoming fundamental limits in the pursuit of whole brain imaging in mammalian species.
