PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Ahanonu, Biafra
AU  - Crowther, Andrew
AU  - Kania, Artur
AU  - Casillas, Mariela Rosa
AU  - Basbaum, Allan
TI  - Long-term optical imaging of the spinal cord in awake, behaving animals
AID  - 10.1101/2023.05.22.541477
DP  - 2023 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 2023.05.22.541477
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2023/05/24/2023.05.22.541477.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2023/05/24/2023.05.22.541477.full
AB  - Advances in optical imaging approaches and fluorescent biosensors have enabled an understanding of the spatiotemporal and long-term neural dynamics in the brain of awake animals. However, methodological difficulties and the persistence of post-laminectomy fibrosis have greatly limited similar advances in the spinal cord. To overcome these technical obstacles, we combined in vivo application of fluoropolymer membranes that inhibit fibrosis; a redesigned, cost-effective implantable spinal imaging chamber; and improved motion correction methods that together permit imaging of the spinal cord in awake, behaving mice, for months to over a year. We also demonstrate a robust ability to monitor axons, identify a spinal cord somatotopic map, conduct Ca2+ imaging of neural dynamics in behaving animals responding to pain-provoking stimuli, and observe persistent microglial changes after nerve injury. The ability to couple neural activity and behavior at the spinal cord level will drive insights not previously possible at a key location for somatosensory transmission to the brain.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.