Abstract
Our laboratory investigates mechanisms underlying the operation of neuronal circuits. In order to understand information processing in neuronal circuits, we need to expand studies at the single cell level to those at the network level. Optical imaging techniques provide the spatial and temporal information that is required for studies both at the single cell and at the network level. At the level of single cells, we have used the sodium-sensitive dye SBFI and the calcium sensitive fluorescent dye Oregon green BAPTA-1 to investigate intrinsic properties and mechanisms of integration of synaptic inputs in cerebellar Purkinje cells and olfactory mitral cells. At the level of neuronal circuits, we have used voltage sensitive dyes (di-4-ANEPPS), activity dependent autofluorescence signals (flavin) and a genetically-encoded calcium sensor protein to image the synaptic information flow in the cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell-Purkinje cell pathway. The above research results will be used to exemplify issues related to the methodology and application of optical imaging of CNS networks. [Jpn J Physiol 55 Suppl:S58 (2005)]
