In Vivo Calcium Imaging with a Miniaturized Microscope in the Hypothalamus for Understanding Social Behaviors in Mice

This protocol details in vivo calcium imaging of hypothalamic neurons using a miniaturized microscope (miniscope) in freely behaving mice during social state manipulation (social isolation and social reunion). This method enables the imaging at single-neuron resolution of the hypothalamic activity that represents social need and social satiation, enabling mechanistic studies of social homeostasis.