Long-Term Imaging of Identified Neural Populations using Microprisms in Freely Moving and Head-Fixed Animals

When integrated with a head-plate and an optical design compatible with both single- and two-photon microscopes, the microprism lens presents a significant advantage in measuring neural responses in a vertical column under diverse conditions, including well-controlled experiments in head-fixed states or natural behavioral tasks in freely moving animals.

System neuroscience benefits greatly from advancement in imaging technology, especially combined with molecular and genetic approaches. Researchers are increasingly using high resolution, chronic recording, and cell type-specific targeting to dissect the brain's function at finer scale, longer time, and more position. One notable shift in experimental paradigms is moving away from the anesthetized recording towards awake or freely-moving states.

This approach allows the characterization of brain activity in natural conditions, but also imposes challenges for precise control on stimulation and measurements. With this protocol, we can image the same neural populations in head-fixed and freely-moving animals. We can directly compare their activities in both well-controlled and natural paradigms.

Our protocol enables the study of sensory information processing across cortical layers. It allows us to compare neural responses to controlled sensory stimuli in head-fixed states and its behavioral tasks during free movement, thus facilitating our understanding of sensory processing dynamics.