Imaging neuronal activity in awake, behaving animals has become a groundbreaking method in neuroscience that has rapidly enhanced our understanding of how the brain works. In vivo microendoscopic imaging has enabled researchers to see inside the brains of experimental animals and thus has emerged as a technology fit to answer many experimental questions. By combining microendoscopy with cutting edge targeting strategies and sophisticated analysis tools, neuronal activity patterns that underlie changes in behavior and physiology can be identified. However, new users may find it challenging to understand the techniques and to leverage this technology to best suit their needs. Here we present a background and overview of the necessary components for performing in vivo optical calcium imaging and offer some detailed guidance for current recommended approaches.

对清醒、行为动物的神经元活动进行成像已成为神经科学领域的一种突破性方法，它迅速增强了我们对大脑如何工作的理解。体内显微内窥镜成像使研究人员能够看到实验动物的大脑内部，因此已成为一种适合回答许多实验问题的技术。通过将显微内窥镜与尖端靶向策略和复杂的分析工具相结合，可以识别行为和生理学变化背后的神经元活动模式。然而，新用户可能会发现理解这些技术并利用该技术来最好地满足他们的需求具有挑战性。在这里，我们介绍了进行体内光学钙成像所需组件的背景和概述，并为当前推荐的方法提供了一些详细的指导。