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Behavior, Issue 84, Two-photon imaging, Virtual Reality, mouse behavior, adeno-associated virus, genetically encoded calcium
indicators
Abstract:
In recent years, two-photon imaging has become an invaluable tool in neuroscience, as it allows for chronic measurement of the activity of
genetically identified cells during behavior1-6. Here we describe methods to perform two-photon imaging in mouse cortex while the animal
navigates a virtual reality environment. We focus on the aspects of the experimental procedures that are key to imaging in a behaving animal in
a brightly lit virtual environment. The key problems that arise in this experimental setup that we here address are: minimizing brain motion related
artifacts, minimizing light leak from the virtual reality projection system, and minimizing laser induced tissue damage. We also provide sample
software to control the virtual reality environment and to do pupil tracking. With these procedures and resources it should be possible to convert
a conventional two-photon microscope for use in behaving mice.
