Optical Approaches for Interrogating Neural Circuits Controlling Hormone Secretion

Su Young Han, Jenny Clarkson, Richard Piet, Allan E Herbison

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Developments in optical imaging and optogenetics are transforming the functional investigation of neuronal networks throughout the brain. Recent studies in the neuroendocrine field have used genetic mouse models combined with a variety of light-activated optical tools as well as GCaMP calcium imaging to interrogate the neural circuitry controlling hormone secretion. The present review highlights the benefits and caveats of these approaches for undertaking both acute brain slice and functional studies in vivo. We focus on the use of channelrhodopsin and the inhibitory optogenetic tools, archaerhodopsin and halorhodopsin, in addition to GCaMP imaging of individual cells in vitro and neural populations in vivo using fiber photometry. We also address issues around the use of genetic vs viral delivery of encoded proteins to specific Cre-expressing cell populations, their quantification, and the use of conscious vs anesthetized animal models. To date, optogenetics and GCaMP imaging have proven useful in dissecting functional circuitry within the brain and are likely to become essential investigative tools for deciphering the different neural networks controlling hormone secretion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3822-3833
Number of pages12
JournalEndocrinology
Volume159
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Archaeal Proteins
  • Brain/diagnostic imaging
  • Channelrhodopsins
  • Dependovirus
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Halorhodopsins
  • Hormones/metabolism
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal
  • Neural Pathways/diagnostic imaging
  • Neurons/metabolism
  • Optical Imaging
  • Optogenetics
  • Photometry

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