Chronic Cranial Window for Imaging Cortical Activity in Head-Fixed Mice

Sigita Augustinaite; Bernd Kuhn

doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100194

Chronic Cranial Window for Imaging Cortical Activity in Head-Fixed Mice

STAR Protoc. 2020 Dec 4;1(3):100194. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100194. eCollection 2020 Dec 18.

Authors

Sigita Augustinaite¹, Bernd Kuhn¹

Affiliation

¹ Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan.

Abstract

Chronic cranial window surgery is a critical procedure for in vivo imaging in neuroscience. Here, we describe our surgical protocol with several subtle improvements that increase the success rate significantly. The window allows high-quality imaging in head-fixed behaving mice within the first week after the surgical procedure and remains clear for months. We used this procedure to prepare mice for intrinsic signal imaging and two-photon imaging of layer 6 neurons in visual cortex. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Augustinaite and Kuhn (2020).

Keywords: Microscopy; Model Organisms; Neuroscience.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cerebral Cortex / physiology
Craniotomy / methods*
Craniotomy / mortality
Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
Head / diagnostic imaging
Mice
Neurons / physiology
Restraint, Physical
Skull / surgery*