title: Combining calcium imaging with other optical techniques.
abstract: Ca(2+) imaging is a commonly used approach for measuring Ca(2+) signals at high spatial resolution. The method is often combined with electrode recordings to correlate electrical and chemical signals or to investigate Ca(2+) signals following an electrical stimulation. To obtain information on electrical activity at the same spatial resolution, Ca(2+) imaging must be combined with membrane potential imaging. Similarly, stimulation of subcellular compartments requires photostimulation. Thus, combining Ca(2+) imaging with an additional optical technique facilitates the study of a number of physiological questions. The aim of this article is to introduce some basic principles regarding the combination of Ca(2+) imaging with other optical techniques. We discuss the design of the optics, the design of experimental protocols, the optical characteristics of Ca(2+) indicators used in combination with an optical probe, and the affinity of the Ca(2+) indicator in relation to the type of measurement. This information will enable the reader to devise an optimal strategy for combined optical experiments.
authors.affiliation: Inserm U836, Team 3, BP 170, Grenoble cedex 09, F-38042, France;
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canepari
authors.forename: Dejan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zecevic
authors.forename: Kaspar E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ogden
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Waard
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D061848:Optical Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D002118:Calcium