Miniscope Imaging of Nucleus Accumbens Neural Activity in Freely Behaving Rats: Virus Injection, Gradient Index Lens Implantation, Recording Strategies, and Analytical Methods

Current Protocols, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 5(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

Abstract In vivo calcium imaging in freely moving rats using miniscopes provides valuable information about the neural mechanisms of behavior real time. A gradient index (GRIN) lens can be implanted deep brain structures to relay activity from single neurons. While such procedures have been successful mice, few reports provide detailed for surgery and long‐term rats, which are better suited studying complex human behaviors. We present a robotic surgical protocol same‐day virus injection GRIN implantation into rat nucleus accumbens core. Our procedure utilizes direct insertion without tissue aspiration produces quality image retention months recording. also describe daily recording strategies minimize damage promote imaging. Finally, we custom protective eliminate need remove between sessions. This methodology protects repeated isoflurane exposure ensures consistent focal plane entirety experiment. © 2025 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1 : Craniotomy 2 Virus 3 4 Baseplate mounting assessment anesthetized 5 Assessment awake, behaving Support Protective miniscope cone fabrication Miniscope cable

Язык: Английский

Minibox: Custom solo or semi-group housing chambers for long term housing of rats with miniscopes

MethodsX, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 13, С. 102921 - 102921

Опубликована: Авг. 16, 2024

Язык: Английский