Dynamic imaging and simultaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording in the mouse cerebral cortex in response to hypercapnia. (A, B) Schematic diagram of the imaging process. Cortical neurons express a protein whose fluorescence depends on both pH and intracellular chlorine concentration. Simultaneous measurement of pH and Chlorine is obtained by combining images produced by exciting the sensor at 910 and 860 nm (see Sulis Sato et al, PNAS 2017 for details). C,D) EEG measured in mouse cortex: during hypoxia caused by breathing a 30% CO2 mixture, a strong reduction in electrophysological activity is observed to which corresponds a strong acidification of the intracellular environment (E). (F) Typical images obtained under a two-photon microscope during acquisition (20-micron bar).

CONTACT: 
Gian Michele Ratto (gianmichele.ratto@nano.cnr.it)

Areas of interest: LIFE SCIENCES; BIOMEDICINE; ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OFFERED
Validation of models and treatments by way of behavioral techniques, in vivo imaging by two-photon microscopy and by electrophysiology.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED RESEARCH
In vivo mouse and zebrafish models of autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy and cognitive deficits.
In vivo mouse models of brain tumors.