Linking the dynamics of neural circuits to behavior is arguably a central theme in neuroscience. fMRI in rodent animals offers the opportunity to combine systems-level brain readout with modern in-vivo cell biology tools, such as DREADDS and optogenetics, to dissect circuit dynamics. Despite efforts to image awake rodents to avoid confounds from anesthesia, there has been no report on fMRI of rodent animals being actively engaged in a goal-directed behavior. We report a method that permits fMRI of brain dynamics while a mouse is actively self-administering optogenetic stimulation, opening the door to real-time imaging of animal behavior using MRI.
This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.