To understand neural circuit mechanisms underlying behavior, it is crucial to observe the dynamics of neuronal structure and function in different regions of the brain. Since current noninvasive imaging technologies allow cellular-resolution imaging of neurons only within ~1 mm below the cortical surface, the majority of mouse brain tissue remains inaccessible. While miniature optical imaging probes allow access to deep brain regions, cellular-resolution imaging is typically restricted to a small tissue volume. To increase the tissue access volume, we developed a clear optically matched panoramic access channel technique (COMPACT). With probe dimensions comparable to those of common gradient-index lenses, COMPACT enables a two to three orders of magnitude greater tissue access volume. We demonstrated the capabilities of COMPACT by multiregional calcium imaging in mice during sleep. We believe that large-volume in vivo imaging with COMPACT will be valuable to a variety of deep tissue imaging applications.

要了解行为背后的神经回路机制，观察大脑不同区域的神经元结构和功能的动态至关重要。由于当前的非侵入性成像技术仅允许在皮层表面以下约 1 mm 内对神经元进行细胞分辨率成像，因此大多数小鼠脑组织仍然无法进入。虽然微型光学成像探头可以进入大脑深处区域，但细胞分辨率成像通常仅限于小组织体积。为了增加组织访问量，我们开发了一种清晰的光学匹配全景访问通道技术 (COMPACT)。COMPACT 的探头尺寸可与普通梯度折射率透镜相媲美，可将组织进入量提高两到三个数量级。我们通过小鼠睡眠期间的多区域钙成像展示了 COMPACT 的能力。我们相信，使用 COMPACT 进行的大容量体内成像对于各种深部组织成像应用具有价值。