Publication
Title
A complete pupillometry toolbox for real-time monitoring of locus coeruleus activity in rodents
Author
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is a region in the brainstem that produces noradrenaline and is involved in both normal and pathological brain function. Pupillometry, the measurement of pupil diameter, provides a powerful readout of LC activity in rodents, primates and humans. The protocol detailed here describes a miniaturized setup that can screen LC activity in rodents in real-time and can be established within 1-2 d. Using low-cost Raspberry Pi computers and cameras, the complete custom-built system costs only similar to 300 euros, is compatible with stereotaxic surgery frames and seamlessly integrates into complex experimental setups. Tools for pupil tracking and a user-friendly Pupillometry App allow quantification, analysis and visualization of pupil size. Pupillometry can discriminate between different, physiologically relevant firing patterns of the LC and can accurately report LC activation as measured by noradrenaline turnover. Pupillometry provides a rapid, non-invasive readout that can be used to verify accurate placement of electrodes/fibers in vivo, thus allowing decisions about the inclusion/exclusion of individual animals before experiments begin.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Nature protocols
Related dataset(s)
Publication
London : Nature publishing group , 2020
ISSN
1754-2189
1750-2799
DOI
10.1038/S41596-020-0324-6
Volume/pages
15 (2020) , p. 2301-2320
ISI
000546803600001
Pubmed ID
32632319
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 09.07.2020
Last edited 03.12.2024
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