The fiber-optic imaging and manipulation of neural activity during animal behavior

Citation

Miyamoto, Daisuke, and Masanori Murayama. "The Fiber-Optic Imaging and Manipulation of Neural Activity During Animal Behavior." Neuroscience Research, vol. 103, 2016, pp. 1–9. 

Keywords

• Fiber-optic imaging/recording
• Fiber-optic manipulation
• Optogenetics
• Calcium imaging
• Freely moving animals
• Deep brain regions
• Neural circuits
• Brain-behavior relationships 

Brief

This article reviews the use of fiber optic systems for imaging and manipulating neural activity, particularly highlighting their applications in understanding brain-behavior relationships. 

Summary

This article reviews the use of fiber-optic systems for imaging and manipulating neural activity, particularly in the context of animal behavior research. Here are the key points from the review:

• Fiber-optic systems are valuable for studying neural activity in freely moving animals. While conventional optical imaging techniques like two-photon microscopy offer high spatial resolution, they require head fixation, limiting their use in behavioral studies. Fiber-optic systems overcome this limitation by allowing researchers to image and manipulate neural activity in animals that are free to move.
• Fiber-optic imaging/recording systems can be configured for spatial resolution or higher sampling rates. Bundle fibers combined with graded index (GRIN) lenses allow for spatial resolution, enabling researchers to visualize activity across multiple neurons or brain regions. Single-core fibers, on the other hand, are more cost-effective and offer higher sampling rates, suitable for recording activity from a single point or a smaller population of neurons.
• Various techniques and devices enhance fiber-optic imaging and manipulation capabilities. Techniques like angled illumination using microprisms enable targeting specific brain layers or regions. Researchers can chronically monitor neural activity using implantable systems like fiber-removable setups or miniaturized microscopes. The integration of optogenetics with fiber-optic systems allows for cell-type and circuit-specific manipulation of neural activity.
• Combining fiber-optic methods with other techniques provides a more comprehensive understanding of neural circuits. Simultaneous Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological recording offer both spatial and temporal resolution of neural activity. Combining fiber-optic imaging with techniques like fMRI helps bridge cellular-level activity with whole-brain responses.
• The field of fiber-optic neural interfaces continues to advance. Researchers are actively developing new tools and techniques to achieve finer spatial resolution, improve the performance of genetically encoded indicators and actuators, and enable more precise manipulation of neural activity, ultimately aiming to unravel the complexities of brain function and behavior.

Origin: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016801021500228X