Autofluorescence imaging of NADH and flavoproteins in the rat brain: insights from Monte Carlo simulations.
There has been recently a renewed interest in using Autofluorescence imaging (AF) of NADH and flavoproteins (Fp) to map brain activity in cortical areas. The recording of these cellular signals provides complementary information to intrinsic optical imaging based on hemodynamic changes. However, which of NADH or Fp is the best candidate for AF functional imaging is not established, and the temporal profile of AF signals is not fully understood. To bring new theoretical insights into these questions, Monte Carlo simulations of AF signals were carried out in realistic models of the rat somatosensory cortex and olfactory bulb. We show that AF signals depend on the structural and physiological features of the brain area considered and are sensitive to changes in blood flow and volume induced by sensory activation. In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility of both NADHAF and Fp-AF in the olfactory bulb.
L'Heureux
Barbara
B
UMR8165 Imagerie et Modélisation en Neurobiologie et Cancérologie, CNRS/Université Paris XI/Paris VII, Bat 440, Campus d'Orsay, Orsay, France. lheureux@imnc.in2p3.fr
Gurden
Hirac
H
Pain
Frédéric
F
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005420:Flavoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D009243:NAD / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods
D005420:Flavoproteins; D009243:NAD