Animal behavior is regulated by environmental stimuli and is shaped by the activity of neural networks, underscoring the importance of assessing the morpho-functional properties of different populations of cells in freely behaving animals. In recent years, a number of optical tools have been developed to monitor and modulate neuronal and glial activity at the protein, cellular, or network level and have opened up new avenues for studying brain function in freely behaving animals. Tools such as genetically encoded sensors and actuators are now commonly used for studying brain activity and function through their expression in different neuronal ensembles. In parallel, microscopy has also made major progress over the last decades. The advent of miniature microscopes (mini-microscopes also called mini-endoscopes) has become a method of choice for studying brain activity at the cellular and network levels in different brain regions of freely behaving mice. This technique also allows for longitudinal investigations while animals carrying the microscope on their head are performing behavioral tasks. In this review, we will discuss mini-endoscopic imaging and the advantages that these devices offer to research. We will also discuss current limitations of and potential future improvements in mini-endoscopic imaging.

中文翻译：

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通过微型荧光显微镜解读自由行为动物的大脑功能

动物行为受到环境刺激的调节，并受到神经网络活动的影响，这强调了评估自由行为动物中不同细胞群的形态功能特性的重要性。近年来，人们开发了许多光学工具来在蛋白质、细胞或网络水平上监测和调节神经元和神经胶质细胞的活动，并为研究自由行为动物的大脑功能开辟了新途径。基因编码传感器和执行器等工具现在通常用于通过其在不同神经元群中的表达来研究大脑活动和功能。与此同时，显微镜在过去几十年中也取得了重大进展。微型显微镜（微型显微镜也称为微型内窥镜）的出现已成为研究自由行为小鼠不同大脑区域的细胞和网络水平大脑活动的首选方法。这项技术还允许在头上戴着显微镜的动物执行行为任务时进行纵向研究。在这篇综述中，我们将讨论微型内窥镜成像以及这些设备为研究提供的优势。我们还将讨论微型内窥镜成像当前的局限性和未来潜在的改进。