Abstract
We introduce a more flexible optogenetics-based mapping system attached on a stereo microscope, which offers automatic light stimulation to individual regions of interest in the cortex that expresses light-activated channelrhodopsin-2 in vivo. Combining simultaneous recording of electromyography from specific forelimb muscles, we demonstrate that this system offers much better efficiency and precision in mapping distinct domains for controlling limb muscles in the mouse motor cortex. Furthermore, the compact and modular design of the system also yields a simple and flexible implementation to different commercial stereo microscopes, and thus could be widely used among laboratories.
Highlights
Functional mapping is an essential method for interrogating architecture, function or the causal relation between behavior and neural circuitry
Functional mapping in specific areas has been performed in vivo using this technique through optogenetic stimulation in an open skull [14,15,16,17,18] or transcranial optogenetic stimulation [19] in transgenic mice
We developed an ultra-flexible method and setup for fast motor cortex mapping in which a laser beam was introduced to a commercial stereo microscope to obtain a continuously adjustable laser spot, and a high-speed XY stage was used to load a mouse to scan multiple positions
Summary
Functional mapping is an essential method for interrogating architecture, function or the causal relation between behavior and neural circuitry. Functional mapping in specific areas has been performed in vivo using this technique through optogenetic stimulation in an open skull [14,15,16,17,18] or transcranial optogenetic stimulation [19] in transgenic mice These approaches were shown to generate highly reproducible automated maps of the mouse forelimb and hindlimb motor cortex, providing a tool with improved speed and precision that can interrogate the causal relation between motor cortex activation and actions. We present the details of the hardware and software used for the flexible optogenetics-based method and setup This optogenetic method enabled both fast precise motor cortex mapping and the recording of muscle evoked potentials (MEPs) in specific ipsilateral and contralateral forelimb muscles, providing a more precise map of the motor cortex representation of a specific limb muscle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
