Imaging light responses of targeted neuron populations in the rodent retina

J Neurosci. 2011 Feb 23;31(8):2855-67. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6064-10.2011.

Abstract

Decoding the wiring diagram of the retina requires simultaneous observation of activity in identified neuron populations. Available recording methods are limited in their scope: electrodes can access only a small fraction of neurons at once, whereas synthetic fluorescent indicator dyes label tissue indiscriminately. Here, we describe a method for studying retinal circuitry at cellular and subcellular levels combining two-photon microscopy and a genetically encoded calcium indicator. Using specific viral and promoter constructs to drive expression of GCaMP3, we labeled all five major neuron classes in the adult mouse retina. Stimulus-evoked GCaMP3 responses as imaged by two-photon microscopy permitted functional cell type annotation. Fluorescence responses were similar to those measured with the small molecule dye OGB-1. Fluorescence intensity correlated linearly with spike rates >10 spikes/s, and a significant change in fluorescence always reflected a significant change in spike firing rate. GCaMP3 expression had no apparent effect on neuronal function. Imaging at subcellular resolution showed compartment-specific calcium dynamics in multiple identified cell types.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neurons / classification
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Retina / cytology
  • Retina / physiology*
  • Vision, Ocular / physiology*
  • Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging / methods*