Thermal constraints on in vivo optogenetic manipulations.

ABSTRACT: A key assumption of optogenetics is that light only affects opsin-expressing neurons. However, illumination invariably heats tissue, and many physiological processes are temperature-sensitive. Commonly used illumination protocols increased the temperature by 0.2-2 °C and suppressed spiking in multiple brain regions. In the striatum, light delivery activated an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance and biased rotational behavior. Thus, careful consideration of light-delivery parameters is required, as even modest intracranial heating can confound interpretation of optogenetic experiments.

SUBMITTER: Owen SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6592769 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature