Meeting Banner
Abstract #3239

fMRI and Electrophysiology of Optogenetic Vs. Whisker Stimulation in the Whisker Barrel Cortex of the Awake Rabbit

Daniil Aksenov1, Limin Li1, Michael Miller1, George Iordanescu1, Alice M. Wyrwicz1

1Center for Basic MR Research, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States

The recently-developed technique of optogenetic control allows precise manipulation of the excitation or inhibition of specific neuronal cell types which generate the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, the properties of optogenetic BOLD have not been well characterized as compared to the BOLD signal generated through conventional sensory stimulation. The goal of this study is to compare the BOLD and electrophysiological activity produced by optogenetic stimulation vs. sensory whisker stimulation. The results indicate the importance of accounting for potential differences in BOLD signal behavior when interpreting fMRI results obtained from optogenetic stimulation.

Abstract PDF Presentation Video

Keywords

accounting activated activation activity aimed allows although amplitude analyzed arrow attached awake band barrel basic behavior blocks blood blue bold bundle bursting bursts channels characterized chronically circumvents coil considering consisted consistent contribute control correlation cortex cortical coupled course courses cross delivered dependent detect diode direct duration electrodes ensure evolution excitation experiment explore fiber field frequencies frequency functional fundamental generated goal gold gradient gray highlight implanted importance index indicate indicates inhibition injected injection interpreting involved kinetics larger laser light likely local magnitude manipulation maps mechanisms miller monitored moreover nature necessary neuronal note noticeable noticeably nylon onset optical oscillating oxygenation part particular peak precise presentation previously produce produced profile providing pulse rabbit rabbits real recorded reflect relatively removal response responses rises robust sensor sensory shape shaping shot side simultaneous slices spatial spectrometer stimulation stimulus striking studies supported temporal thalamus thank trials unit units unusual variety vastly vector vibration viral whereas whisker wide wires