title: Lab-on-a-brain: implantable micro-optical fluidic devices for neural cell analysis in vivo.
abstract: The high-resolution imaging of neural cells in vivo has brought about great progress in neuroscience research. Here, we report a novel experimental platform, where the intact brain of a living mouse can be studied with the aid of a surgically implanted micro-optical fluidic device; acting as an interface between neurons and the outer world. The newly developed device provides the functions required for the long-term and high-resolution observation of the fine structures of neurons by two-photon laser scanning microscopy and the microfluidic delivery of chemicals or drugs directly into the brain. A proof-of-concept experiment of single-synapse stimulation by two-photon uncaging of caged glutamate and observation of dendritic spine shrinkage over subsequent days demonstrated a promising use for the present technology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. 113-8656, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takehara
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. 113-0033, Japan.
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nagaoka
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. 113-0033, Japan.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Noguchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. 113-8656, Japan.
authors.forename: Takanori
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akagi
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. 113-0033, Japan.
authors.forename: Haruo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kasai
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. 113-8656, Japan.
authors.forename: Takanori
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ichiki
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051379:Mice; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure*