Intrinsic optical changes in neuronal tissue. Basic mechanisms.
Associated with changes in the level of physiological activity in neuronal tissue are changes in the intrinsic optical properties of the tissue. As a consequence, it is possible to optically monitor neuronal activity without the use of dyes or other contrast-enhancing agents. Such optical techniques have been applied in the laboratory for more than 50 years. Recent developments in near-infrared spectroscopy and intraoperative optical imaging have suggested a number of clinically important applications of this technology. This article provides an overview of what is known about the physiological correlates and underlying mechanisms associated with activity-evoked optical changes in neuronal tissue.
Hochman
D W
DW
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D009417:Nerve Tissue / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D055585:Physical Phenomena; D010825:Physics; D012542:Scattering, Radiation