Optical neuroimaging provides an effective neuroscience tool for multi-scale investigation of the neural structures and functions, ranging from molecular, cellular activities to the inter-regional connectivity assessment. Amongst experimental preparations, the implementation of an artificial window to the central nervous system (CNS) is primarily required for optical visualization of the CNS and associated brain activities through the opaque skin and bone. Either thinning down or removing portions of the skull or spine is necessary for unobstructed long-term in vivo observations, for which types of the cranial and spinal window and applied materials vary depending on the study objectives. As diversely useful, a window can be designed to accommodate other experimental methods such as electrophysiology or optogenetics. Moreover, auxiliary apparatuses would allow the recording in synchrony with behavior of large-scale brain connectivity signals across the CNS, such as olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Such advancements in the cranial and spinal window have resulted in a paradigm shift in neuroscience, enabling in vivo investigation of the brain function and dysfunction at the microscopic, cellular level. This Review addresses the types and classifications of windows used in optical neuroimaging while describing how to perform in vivo studies using rodent models in combination with other experimental modalities during behavioral tests. The cranial and spinal window has enabled longitudinal examination of evolving neural mechanisms via in situ visualization of the brain. We expect transformable and multi-functional cranial and spinal windows to become commonplace in neuroscience laboratories, further facilitating advances in optical neuroimaging systems.

中文翻译：

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用于啮齿动物体内光学神经成像的颅和脊髓窗口制备及相关实验技术。

光学神经成像为神经结构和功能的多尺度研究提供了一种有效的神经科学工具，范围从分子、细胞活动到区域间连通性评估。在实验准备中，中枢神经系统 (CNS) 的人工窗口的实施主要需要通过不透明的皮肤和骨骼对 CNS 和相关的大脑活动进行光学可视化。为了在体内长期畅通无阻，必须减薄或去除颅骨或脊柱的部分观察，对于哪些类型的颅骨和脊柱窗口和应用材料取决于研究目标。由于具有多种用途，可以设计一个窗口以适应其他实验方法，例如电生理学或光遗传学。此外，辅助设备将允许与跨中枢神经系统的大规模大脑连接信号的行为同步记录，例如嗅球、大脑皮层、小脑和脊髓。颅和脊髓窗的这种进步导致了神经科学的范式转变，能够在微观细胞水平上对大脑功能和功能障碍进行体内研究。这篇评论讨论了光学神经成像中使用的窗口的类型和分类，同时描述了如何在体内进行在行为测试期间使用啮齿动物模型与其他实验方式相结合的研究。颅骨和脊椎窗口能够通过大脑的原位可视化对进化的神经机制进行纵向检查。我们期望可变形和多功能的颅骨和脊柱窗口在神经科学实验室中变得司空见惯，进一步促进光学神经成像系统的进步。