Songbird organotypic culture as an in vitro model for interrogating sparse sequencing networks
Files
Published version
Date
2017-07-17
DOI
Authors
Shen, Jun
Blute, Todd A.
Liberti, William A., III
Yen, William
Liberti, Derek C.
Kotten, Darrell N.
Cruz-Martin, Alberto
Gardner, Timothy
Version
OA Version
Citation
Shen, Jun, Todd Blute, William A. Liberti, William Yen, Derek C. Liberti, Darrell N. Kotten, Alberto Cruz-Martin, and Timothy Gardner. "Songbird organotypic culture as an in vitro model for interrogating sparse sequencing networks." bioRxiv (2017): 164228.
Abstract
Sparse sequences of neuronal activity are fundamental features of neural circuit computation; however, the underlying homeostatic mechanisms remain poorly understood. To approach these questions, we have developed a method for cellular-resolution imaging in organotypic cultures of the adult zebra finch brain, including portions of the intact song circuit. These in vitro networks can survive for weeks, and display mature neuron morphologies. Neurons within the organotypic slices exhibit a diversity of spontaneous and pharmacologically induced activity that can be easily monitored using the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6. In this study, we primarily focus on the classic song sequence generator HVC and the surrounding areas. We describe proof of concept experiments including physiological, optical, and pharmacological manipulation of these exposed networks. This method may allow the cellular rules underlying sparse, stereotyped neural sequencing to be examined with new degrees of experimental control.
Description
License
bioRxiv preprint first posted online Jul. 17, 2017; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/164228. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not peer-reviewed) is the author/funder. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 International license.