To date, the vast majority of intra-vital neuroimaging systems applied in clinic and diagnostics is stationary with a rigid scanning element, requires specialized facilities and costly infrastructure. Here, we describe a simple yet radical approach for optoacoustic (photoacoustic) brain imaging in vivo using a light-weight handheld probe. It enables multispectral video-rate visualization of hemoglobin gradient changes in the cortex of adult rats induced by whisker and forelimb sensory inputs, as well as by optogenetic stimulation of intra-cortical connections. With superb penetration and molecular specificity, described here in method holds major promises for future applications in research, routine ambulatory neuroimaging, and diagnostics.

迄今为止，临床和诊断中应用的绝大多数活体内神经成像系统都是固定的，具有刚性扫描元件，需要专门的设施和昂贵的基础设施。在这里，我们描述了一种使用轻型手持探头进行体内光声（光声）脑成像的简单而激进的方法。它可以对由胡须和前肢感觉输入以及皮层内连接的光遗传学刺激引起的成年大鼠皮层中的血红蛋白梯度变化进行多光谱视频速率可视化。凭借卓越的渗透性和分子特异性，本文中描述的方法对未来在研究、常规动态神经影像学和诊断学中的应用具有重大意义。