Chapter 13: Long-term two-photon calcium imaging in the visual cortex of awake behaving mice

Evelyn Dylda, Janelle Pakan, Nathalie Rochefort

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Our ability to learn relies on the potential of neuronal circuits to change through experience. Recent advances in genetic tools and in vivo imaging have enabled novel investigations into the mechanisms of plasticity at the level of neuronal circuits. This chapter describes an experimental method for long-term activity monitoring of large neuronal populations, activity, with single-cell resolution, in the cortex of awake behaving mice. By combining genetically encoded calcium indicators with two-photon imaging, this technique allows researchers to relate the activity of subtypes of neurons directly to the animal's behavior over temporal scales from hundreds of milliseconds to several weeks. We detail the key experimental aspects of long-term, repeated two-photon calcium imaging: surgical procedures for chronic craniotomies, repeated image acquisition, and critical analysis parameters for two-photon calcium imaging data. Finally, we review recent applications of this technique to study the plasticity of neuronal circuits in the primary visual cortex.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of In Vivo Neural Plasticity Techniques
Subtitle of host publicationA Systems Neuroscience Approach to the Neural Basis of Memory and Cognition
PublisherElsevier
Chapter13
Pages235-251
ISBN (Electronic)9780128120279
ISBN (Print)9780128120286
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2018

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