Wir bedanken uns bei Sandra N. Manosalvas-Kjono, Purim Ladpli, Farah Memon, Divya Gopisetty und Veronica Sanchez für Unterstützung im Gerätedesign und Generierung von mutierten Tieren. Diese Forschung wurde unterstützt durch NIH-Stipendien R01EB006745 (zur BLP), R01NS092099 (zu MBG), K99NS089942 (für MK), F31NS100318 (zu ALN) und empfangene Finanzierung vom European Research Council (ERC) unter Horizont 2020 Forschung und Innovation der Europäischen Union Programm () Finanzhilfevereinbarung Nr. 715243 MK).

<ol>
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Dieses Protokoll veranschaulicht eine Methode für die Bereitstellung von präzisen mechanischen Stimulation der Haut ein Fadenwurm, gefangen in einem Mikrofluidik-Chip. Es soll die Integration der physikalischen Reize für biologische Fragen erleichtern und Mechanobiology Forschung im biologischen Labor optimieren soll. Diese Methode erweitert vorherigen Tests zur Beurteilung der Funktion der Mechanosensory Neuronen in C. Elegans. Vorherigen quantitative und semi-quantitativen Techniken gemessen Kräfte<sup cla...

Der Tastsinn bietet Tiere mit wichtigen Informationen über ihre Umgebung. Je nach der angewendeten Kraft wird Touch so harmlos, angenehm oder schmerzhaft empfunden. Die Gewebe-Verformung bei Berührung erkannt wird durch spezialisierte Mechanoreceptor Zellen in der Haut eingebettet, die Rezeptor-Proteine, die am häufigsten Ionenkanäle ausdrücken. Die Schritte verknüpfen Kraft Wahrnehmung mit Ionen-Kanal Aktivierung bei Berührung und Schmerz sind nicht vollständig geklärt. Noch weniger ist bekannt über das Hautgewebe filtert mechanische Verformung und ob Mechanorezeptoren erkennen von Änderungen im Stamm oder betonen,1,2,3. Diese Lücke im Verständnis ergibt sich einerseits aus einem Mangel an geeigneten Werkzeugen, präzise mechanische Reize an die Oberfläche der Haut ein lebendes Tier anzuwenden, unter Beachtung der Reaktionen auf zellulärer Ebene. Während Rasterkraftmikroskopie weitgehend verwendet worden ist, anzuwenden und messen Kräfte in isolierten Zellen4,5 und Piezo1 Rezeptoren im Leben aktivieren Zellen6, ähnliche Experimente mit lebenden Tieren, vor allem C. Elegans, wurden notorisch schwierig wegen der inhärenten Mobilität des Subjekts. Diese Herausforderung wird traditionell durch Veterinär- oder chirurgischen Klasse Cyanacrylat Klebstoff, um einzelne Tiere auf Agar-Pads1,7,8,9zu immobilisieren umgangen. Dieser Ansatz ist produktiv gewesen, aber hat Beschränkungen in Bezug auf das Geschick erforderlich für Immobilisierung durch Kleben und die weiche Agar-Oberfläche auf mechanische Compliance. Eine Mikrofluidik-Strategie ist eine kostenlose Alternative, die den Komplikationen verbunden zu kleben vermeidet.
Der Fadenwurm C. Elegans ist ein genetisches Modellorganismus mit einer völlig zugeordneten Nervensystem, das aufgrund der Größe des Tieres, eine gute Passform für Mikrofluidik-Technologie. Mikrofluidik-basierte Geräte bieten den Vorteil, dass die sonst äußerst mobilen Tiere zurückgehalten werden können, während der Durchführung hochauflösende Bildgebung und Lieferung von relevanten Neuro-modulierende reizen. Mit Hilfe von mikrofluidischen können Technologien, lebende Tiere ohne Schaden10,11, ermöglicht Überwachung des Verhaltens Aktivität über die gesamte Lebensdauer12,13 und hochauflösende immobilisiert werden Imaging von neuronaler Aktivität14,15,16,17. Weiter, viele Mechanoreceptor Neuronen benötigt für das Gefühl der Berührung und Schmerz auf ihre physiologischen1,8, mechanische4,18,19, gekennzeichnet werden kann und molekulare Level20,21,22.
C. Elegans spürt sanfte mechanische Reize an seinen Körper Wand mit sechs TRNs, von denen drei innervieren des Tieres anterior (ALML/R und AVM) und drei davon innervieren des Tieres Posterior (PLML/R und PVM). Die Ionen-Kanal Moleküle benötigt für eine ausgeübte Kraft in eine biochemische Signal transducing haben ausgiebig in seiner TRNs8untersucht. Dieser Artikel stellt eine mikrofluidischen Plattform23 , mit dem Forscher präzise mechanische Kräfte auf die Haut von einem immobilisierten C. Elegans anwenden können Fadenwurm, beim Auslesen der Verformung von seiner inneren Geweben durch optische Bildgebung. Neben der Präsentation klar definierte mechanische Reize, können Kalzium Transienten in Mechanoreceptor Neuronen mit subzellulären Auflösung aufgezeichnet und korreliert mit morphologischen und anatomischen Merkmale. Das Gerät besteht aus eine zentrale Trapping-Kanal, der hält ein einziges Tier und präsentiert seine Haut neben sechs pneumatische Betätigung-Kanälen (Abbildung 1 und Abbildung 2). Die sechs Kanäle befinden sich entlang der Trapping-Kanal, mechanische Reize zu jedem der sechs TRNs der Wurm zu liefern. Diese Kanäle sind aus der Trapping-Kammer durch dünne PDMS Membranen, getrennt durch eine externe Luftversorgung der Druck (Abbildung 1) gefahren werden kann. Wir kalibriert die Durchbiegung in Bezug auf Druck und liefern die Messungen in diesem Artikel. Jeder Antrieb kann individuell angesprochen und verwendet, um eine Mechanoreceptor Wahl zu stimulieren. Der Druck wird geliefert mit einem Piezo-gesteuerte Druckpumpe aber alternative Gerät verwendet werden kann. Wir zeigen, dass die Druck-Protokoll verwendet werden kann, TRNs in Vivo aktivieren und demonstrieren Betriebsgeräte geeignet für Erwachsene C. Elegansmechanische Stimuli bereitzustellen, ausgewachsene Tiere in Geräte laden, Kalzium Bildgebung durchführen Experimente und Analyse der Ergebnisse. Gerät Herstellung besteht aus zwei wesentlichen Schritten: 1) Photolithographie zu einer Form von SU-8; und 2) Guß PDMS um ein Gerät zu machen. Aus Gründen der Kürze und Klarheit gekennzeichnet Leser zuvor veröffentlichten Artikel und Protokolle24,25 für Anweisungen, wie man die Werkzeuge und Geräte zu produzieren.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Chrome mask</td>
			<td>Compugraphics (http://www.compugraphics-photomasks.com/)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>5&#39;&#39;, designed in AutoCAD (Autodesk, Inc.)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chrome mask</td>
			<td>Mitani-Micronics (http://www.mitani-micro.co.jp/en/)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>5&#39;&#39;, designed in AutoCAD (Autodesk, Inc.)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chrome mask</td>
			<td>Kuroda-Electric (http://www.kuroda-electric.eu/</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>5&#39;&#39;, designed in AutoCAD (Autodesk, Inc.)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4&#39;&#39; Silicon wafer (B-test)</td>
			<td>Stanford Nanofabrication Facility</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SU-8 2002</td>
			<td>MicroChem</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SU-8 2050</td>
			<td>MicroChem</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spin-coater</td>
			<td>Laurell Technologies</td>
			<td>WS-400BZ-6NPP/LITE</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Exposure timer</td>
			<td>Optical Associates, Inc</td>
			<td>OAI 150</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Illumination controller</td>
			<td>Optical Associates, Inc</td>
			<td>2105C2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SU-8 developer</td>
			<td>MicroChem</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Propanol</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A426F-1GAL</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetone</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A18-4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trichloromethylsilane (TCMS)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>92361-500ML</td>
			<td>Caution: TCMS is toxic and water-reactive</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sylgard 184 Elastomer Kit</td>
			<td>Dow Corning</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>PDMS prepolymer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Biopsy punch, 1 mm</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>95039-090</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oxygen Plasma Asher</td>
			<td>Branson/IPC</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small metal tubing (0.635 mm OD, 0.4318 mm ID, 12.7 mm long); gage size 23TW</td>
			<td>New England Small Tube Corporation</td>
			<td>NE-1300-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nalgene syringe filter, 0.22 &#956;m</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>725-2520</td>
			<td>to filter all solution, small particles would clog the chip</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polyethylene tubing; 0.9652 mm OD, 0.5842 mm ID</td>
			<td>Solomon Scientific</td>
			<td>BPE-T50</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe, 1 ml</td>
			<td>BD Scientific</td>
			<td>309628</td>
			<td>for worm trapping and release</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe, 20 ml</td>
			<td>BD Scientific</td>
			<td>309661</td>
			<td>for gravity-based flow</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gilson Minipuls 3, Peristaltic pump</td>
			<td>Gilson</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>to suck solutions and worms out of the chip</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microfluidic flow controller, equipped with 0&#8211;800 kPa pressure channel</td>
			<td>Elveflow</td>
			<td>OB1 MK3</td>
			<td>pressure delivery</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Water-Resistant Clear Poly- urethane Tubing, 4 mm ID and 6 mm OD</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>5195 T52</td>
			<td>connection from house air to pressure pump</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Water-Resistant Clear Polyurethane Tubing, 2.6mm ID and 4mm OD</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>5195 T51</td>
			<td>connect pressure pump to small tubng</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Push-to-Connect Tube Fitting for Air</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>5111K468</td>
			<td>metric - imperial converter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Straight Connector for 6 mm &#215; 1/4&#8243; Tube OD</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>5779 K258</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Leica DMI 4000 B microscopy system</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>63&#215;/1.32 NA HCX PL APO oil objective</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>506081</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hamamatsu Orca-Flash 4.0LT digital CMOS camera</td>
			<td>Hamamatsu</td>
			<td>C11440-42U</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lumencor Spectra X light engine</td>
			<td>Lumencor</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>With cyan and green/yellow light source</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Excitation beam splitter</td>
			<td>Chroma</td>
			<td>59022bs</td>
			<td>in the microscope</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hamamatsu W-view Gemini Image splitting optics</td>
			<td>Hamamatsu</td>
			<td>A12801-01</td>
			<td>to split green and red emission and project them on different areas on the camera chip</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Emission beam splitter</td>
			<td>Chroma</td>
			<td>T570lpxr</td>
			<td>in the image splitter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Emission filters GCamp6s</td>
			<td>Chroma</td>
			<td>ET525/50m</td>
			<td>in the image splitter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Emission filters mCherry</td>
			<td>Chroma</td>
			<td>ET632/60m</td>
			<td>in the image splitter</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

using a microfluidics device for mechanical stimulation and high resolution imaging of c. elegans

Ein zentrales Ziel des Mechanobiology ist die Wechselwirkung von mechanischem Stress auf Proteine und Zellen zu verstehen. Trotz seiner Bedeutung ist der Einfluss von mechanischem Stress auf zelluläre Funktion immer noch schlecht verstanden. Unter anderem existiert diese Wissenslücke, weil einige Tools gleichzeitige Verformung von Gewebe und Zellen, Bildgebung der Zellaktivität in lebenden Tieren und effiziente Einschränkung der Beweglichkeit in ansonsten hochmobile Modellorganismen wie die Nematoden ermöglichen Caenorhabditis Elegans. Die geringe Größe von C. Elegans stellt sie eine ausgezeichnete Übereinstimmung Mikrofluidik-Forschung Geräte und Lösungen für Immobilisierung wurden mit mikrofluidischen Geräten vorgestellt. Obwohl diese Geräte hochauflösende Bildgebung zu ermöglichen, ist das Tier vollständig eingehüllt in Polydimethylsiloxan (PDMS) und Glas, physischen Zugriff für die Lieferung der mechanischen Kraft oder elektrophysiologische Aufnahmen zu begrenzen. Vor kurzem haben wir ein Gerät, das pneumatische Antriebe mit einem Trapping-Design integriert, die mit hochauflösenden Fluoreszenzmikroskopie kompatibel ist. Die Betätigung-Kanal trennt sich von den Wurm-Trapping-Kanal durch eine dünne Membran PDMS. Diese Membran ist in die Seite eines Wurms abgelenkt durch Druck aus einer externen Quelle. Das Gerät kann individuelle Mechanosensitive Neuronen ausrichten. Die Aktivierung dieser Neuronen ist abgebildet bei hochauflösenden mit genetisch codierte Kalzium Indikatoren. Dieser Artikel stellt die allgemeine Methode mit C. Elegans Stämme Calcium-Sensitive Aktivitätsanzeige (GCaMP6s) in ihrer Touch-Rezeptor-Neuronen (TRNs) zum Ausdruck zu bringen. Die Methode ist nicht beschränkt auf TRNs noch auf Kalzium-Sensoren als Sonde jedoch, auf andere mechanisch empfindlichen Zellen oder Sensoren erweitert werden kann.

SU-8 Lithographie und Chip Bonding Die Lithographie Protokoll und PDMS-Spritzgießen folgen Standardverfahren. Details finden an anderer Stelle23,24,25,26. Die PDMS sollte nach dem Aushärten der Wafer ohne Probleme abziehen. Wenn die SU-8-Features während PDMS Peelings Abzocke, reichten die SU-8 Adhäsion Schicht oder der Silanisierung. Wen...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans at JoVE.com

Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans

Neue Werkzeuge für die Mechanobiology Forschung sind erforderlich, um verstehen, wie mechanischen Beanspruchung biochemische Stoffwechselwege aktiviert und biologische Reaktionen hervorruft. Hier präsentieren wir eine neue Methode zur selektiven mechanischen Stimulation der immobilisierten Tiere mit einem mikrofluidischen Trap ermöglicht hochauflösende Bildgebung der zellulären Antworten.

Verwendung von einem Mikrofluidik-Gerät für mechanische Stimulation und High Resolution Imaging von C. elegans

One central goal of mechanobiology is to understand the reciprocal effect of mechanical stress on proteins and cells. Despite its importance, the ...

using-microfluidics-device-for-mechanical-stimulation-high-resolution

Universidad de Cartagena UDEC

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans

9.7K Aufrufe.  Stanford University. Neue Werkzeuge für die Mechanobiology Forschung sind erforderlich, um verstehen, wie mechanischen Beanspruchung biochemische Stoffwechselwege aktiviert und biologische Reaktionen hervorruft. Hier präsentieren wir eine neue Methode zur selektiven mechanischen Stimulation der immobilisierten Tiere mit einem mikrofluidischen Trap ermöglicht hochauflösende Bildgebung der zellulären Antworten.

Serie: Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans

Assaying &beta;-amyloid Toxicity using a Transgenic C. elegans Model

Accumulation of the &beta;-amyloid peptide (A&beta;) is generally believed to be central to the induction of Alzheimer's disease, but the relevant mechanism(s) of toxicity are still unclear. A&beta; is also deposited intramuscularly in Inclusion Body Myositis, a severe human myopathy. The intensely studied nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans can be transgenically engineered to express human A&beta;. Depending on the tissue or timing of A&beta; expression, transgenic worms can have readily measurable phenotypes that serve as a read-out of A&beta; toxicity. For example, transgenic worms with pan-neuronal A&beta; expression have defects is associative learning (Dosanjh et al. 2009), while transgenic worms with constitutive muscle-specific expression show a progressive, age-dependent paralysis phenotype (Link, 1995; Cohen et al. 2006). One particularly useful C. elegans model employs a temperature-sensitive mutation in the mRNA surveillance system to engineer temperature-inducible muscle expression of an A&beta; transgene, resulting in a reproducible paralysis phenotype upon temperature upshift (Link et al. 2003). Treatments that counter A&beta; toxicity in this model [e.g., expression of a protective transgene (Hassan et al. 2009) or exposure to Ginkgo biloba extracts (Wu et al. 2006)] reproducibly alter the rate of paralysis induced by temperature upshift of these transgenic worms. Here we describe our protocol for measuring the rate of paralysis in this transgenic C. elegans model, with particular attention to experimental variables that can influence this measurement.

Assaying &#946;-amyloid Toxicity using a Transgenic C. elegans Model

The intensely studied nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans can be transgenically engineered to express the human &beta;-amyloid peptide (A&beta;). Induced expression of A&beta; in C. elegans muscle leads to a rapid, reproducible paralysis phenotype that can be used to monitor treatments that modulate A&beta; toxicity.

Assaying β-Amyloid-Toxizität mit Hilfe eines transgenen C. elegans Modell

Accumulation of the &beta;-amyloid peptide (A&beta;) is generally believed to be central to the induction of Alzheimer's disease, but the relevant ...

Forschung

Neurowissenschaften

Combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and fMRI to Examine the Default Mode Network

The default mode network is a group of brain regions that are active when an individual is not focused on the outside world and the brain is at "wakeful rest."1,2,3 It is thought the default mode network corresponds to self-referential or "internal mentation".2,3
It has been hypothesized that, in humans, activity within the default mode network is correlated with certain pathologies (for instance, hyper-activation has been linked to schizophrenia 4,5,6 and autism spectrum disorders 7 whilst hypo-activation of the network has been linked to Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases 8). As such, noninvasive modulation of this network may represent a potential therapeutic intervention for a number of neurological and psychiatric pathologies linked to abnormal network activation. One possible tool to effect this modulation is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: a non-invasive neurostimulatory and neuromodulatory technique that can transiently or lastingly modulate cortical excitability (either increasing or decreasing it) via the application of localized magnetic field pulses.9
In order to explore the default mode network's propensity towards and tolerance of modulation, we will be combining TMS (to the left inferior parietal lobe) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Through this article, we will examine the protocol and considerations necessary to successfully combine these two neuroscientific tools.

In this article, we examine the methodology and considerations relevant to the combination of TMS and fMRI to examine the effects of brain stimulation on the default network.

Die Kombination TMS und fMRT dem Standard-Modus Netzwerk Untersuchen

The default mode network is a group of brain regions that are active when an individual is not focused on the outside world and the brain is at "wakeful ...

TMS: Using the Theta-Burst Protocol to Explore Mechanism of Plasticity in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), also known as Martin-Bell Syndrome, is a genetic abnormality found on the X chromosome.1,2 Individuals suffering from FXS display abnormalities in the expression of FMR1 - a protein required for typical, healthy neural development.3 Recent data has suggested that the loss of this protein can cause the cortex to be hyperexcitable thereby affecting overall patterns of neural plasticity.4,5
In addition, Fragile X shows a strong comorbidity with autism: in fact, 30% of children with FXS are diagnosed with autism, and 2 - 5% of autistic children suffer from FXS.6
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (a non-invasive neurostimulatory and neuromodulatory technique that can transiently or lastingly modulate cortical excitability via the application of localized magnetic field pulses 7,8) represents a unique method of exploring plasticity and the manifestations of FXS within affected individuals. More specifically, Theta-Burst Stimulation (TBS), a specific stimulatory protocol shown to modulate cortical plasticity for a duration up to 30 minutes after stimulation cessation in healthy populations, has already proven an efficacious tool in the exploration of abnormal plasticity.9,10 
Recent studies have shown the effects of TBS last considerably longer in individuals on the autistic spectrum - up to 90 minutes.11 This extended effect-duration suggests an underlying abnormality in the brain's natural plasticity state in autistic individuals - similar to the hyperexcitability induced by Fragile X Syndrome.
In this experiment, utilizing single-pulse motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) as our benchmark, we will explore the effects of both intermittent and continuous TBS on cortical plasticity in individuals suffering from FXS and individuals on the Autistic Spectrum.

In this article, we examine the effects of Theta-Burst TMS stimulation on cortical plasticity in individuals suffering from Fragile X syndrome and individuals on the autistic spectrum.

TMS: Mit dem Theta-Burst-Protokoll zu Mechasnism der Plastizität in Individuen sich mit Fragile X-Syndrom und Autismus

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), also known as Martin-Bell Syndrome, is a genetic abnormality found on the X chromosome.1,2 Individuals suffering from FXS ...

State-Dependency Effects on TMS:  A Look at Motive Phosphene Behavior

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurostimulatory and neuromodulatory technique that can transiently or lastingly modulate cortical excitability (either increasing or decreasing it) via the application of localized magnetic field pulses.1,2 Within the field of TMS, the term state dependency refers to the initial, baseline condition of the particular neural region targeted for stimulation. As can be inferred, the effects of TMS can (and do) vary according to this primary susceptibility and responsiveness of the targeted cortical area.3,4,5

In this experiment, we will examine this concept of state dependency through the elicitation and subjective experience of motive phosphenes. Phosphenes are visually perceived flashes of small lights triggered by electromagnetic pulses to the visual cortex. These small lights can assume varied characteristics depending upon which type of visual cortex is being stimulated. In this particular study, we will be targeting motive phosphenes as elicited through the stimulation of V1/V2 and the V5/MT+ complex visual regions.6

In this article, we examine the effects of visually relevant state dependency on TMS induced motive phosphenic presentations.

State-Dependency Auswirkungen auf TMS: Ein Blick auf Motive Phosphene Behavior

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurostimulatory and neuromodulatory technique that can transiently or lastingly modulate ...

The NeuroStar TMS Device: Conducting the FDA Approved Protocol for Treatment of Depression

The Neuronetics NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) System is a class II medical device that produces brief duration, pulsed magnetic fields. These rapidly alternating fields induce electrical currents within localized, targeted regions of the cortex which are associated with various physiological and functional brain changes.1,2,3
In 2007, O'Reardon et al., utilizing the NeuroStar device, published the results of an industry-sponsored, multisite, randomized, sham-stimulation controlled clinical trial in which 301 patients with major depression, who had previously failed to respond to at least one adequate antidepressant treatment trial, underwent either active or sham TMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The patients, who were medication-free at the time of the study, received TMS five times per week over 4-6 weeks.4
The results demonstrated that a sub-population of patients (those who were relatively less resistant to medication, having failed not more than two good pharmacologic trials) showed a statistically significant improvement on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and various other outcome measures. In October 2008, supported by these and other similar results5,6,7, Neuronetics obtained the first and only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the clinical treatment of a specific form of medication-refractory depression using a TMS Therapy device (FDA approval K061053).
In this paper, we will explore the specified FDA approved NeuroStar depression treatment protocol (to be administered only under prescription and by a licensed medical profession in either an in- or outpatient setting).

In this article, we examine the methodology and considerations relevant to the FDA approved depression treatment protocol using the Neuronetics NeuroStar TMS device.

Die Neurostar TMS Device: Die Durchführung der FDA genehmigten Protokoll für die Behandlung von Depression

The Neuronetics NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) System is a class II medical device that produces brief duration, pulsed magnetic ...

Enabling High Grayscale Resolution Displays and Accurate Response Time Measurements on Conventional Computers

Display systems based on conventional computer graphics cards are capable of generating images with 8-bit gray level resolution. However, most experiments in vision research require displays with more than 12 bits of luminance resolution. Several solutions are available. Bit++ 1 and DataPixx 2 use the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) output from graphics cards and high resolution (14 or 16-bit) digital-to-analog converters to drive analog display devices. The VideoSwitcher 3 described here combines analog video signals from the red and blue channels of graphics cards with different weights using a passive resister network 4 and an active circuit to deliver identical video signals to the three channels of color monitors. The method provides an inexpensive way to enable high-resolution monochromatic displays using conventional graphics cards and analog monitors. It can also provide trigger signals that can be used to mark stimulus onsets, making it easy to synchronize visual displays with physiological recordings or response time measurements.
Although computer keyboards and mice are frequently used in measuring response times (RT), the accuracy of these measurements is quite low. The RTbox is a specialized hardware and software solution for accurate RT measurements. Connected to the host computer through a USB connection, the driver of the RTbox is compatible with all conventional operating systems. It uses a microprocessor and high-resolution clock to record the identities and timing of button events, which are buffered until the host computer retrieves them. The recorded button events are not affected by potential timing uncertainties or biases associated with data transmission and processing in the host computer. The asynchronous storage greatly simplifies the design of user programs. Several methods are available to synchronize the clocks of the RTbox and the host computer. The RTbox can also receive external triggers and be used to measure RT with respect to external events. 
Both VideoSwitcher and RTbox are available for users to purchase. The relevant information and many demonstration programs can be found at <a href="http://lobes.usc.edu/">http://lobes.usc.edu/</a>.

Conventional computer hardware can not generate visual stimuli with sufficiently high grayscale resolution and measure response times with sufficient accuracy. We describe how to use the VideoSwitcher to produce high-resolution monochromatic displays, and the RTbox to measure response times with high accuracy on conventional computer hardware.

Enabling High Graustufen auflösende Displays und präzise Antwort Zeitmessungen auf herkömmlichen Computern

Display systems based on conventional computer graphics cards are capable of generating images with 8-bit gray level resolution. However, most experiments ...

High-resolution Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods for Human Midbrain

Functional MRI (fMRI) is a widely used tool for non-invasively measuring correlates of human brain activity. However, its use has mostly been focused upon measuring activity on the surface of cerebral cortex rather than in subcortical regions such as midbrain and brainstem. Subcortical fMRI must overcome two challenges: spatial resolution and physiological noise. Here we describe an optimized set of techniques developed to perform high-resolution fMRI in human SC, a structure on the dorsal surface of the midbrain; the methods can also be used to image other brainstem and subcortical structures.
High-resolution (1.2 mm voxels) fMRI of the SC requires a non-conventional approach. The desired spatial sampling is obtained using a multi-shot (interleaved) spiral acquisition1. Since, T2* of SC tissue is longer than in cortex, a correspondingly longer echo time (TE ~ 40 msec) is used to maximize functional contrast. To cover the full extent of the SC, 8-10 slices are obtained. For each session a structural anatomy with the same slice prescription as the fMRI is also obtained, which is used to align the functional data to a high-resolution reference volume.
In a separate session, for each subject, we create a high-resolution (0.7 mm sampling) reference volume using a T1-weighted sequence that gives good tissue contrast. In the reference volume, the midbrain region is segmented using the ITK-SNAP software application2. This segmentation is used to create a 3D surface representation of the midbrain that is both smooth and accurate3. The surface vertices and normals are used to create a map of depth from the midbrain surface within the tissue4.
Functional data is transformed into the coordinate system of the segmented reference volume. Depth associations of the voxels enable the averaging of fMRI time series data within specified depth ranges to improve signal quality. Data is rendered on the 3D surface for visualization.
In our lab we use this technique for measuring topographic maps of visual stimulation and covert and overt visual attention within the SC1. As an example, we demonstrate the topographic representation of polar angle to visual stimulation in SC.

This article describes techniques to perform high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging with 1.2 mm sampling in human midbrain and subcortical structures using a 3T scanner. Use of these techniques to resolve topographic maps of visual stimulation in the human superior colliculus (SC) is given as an example.

Hochauflösende Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods for Human Mittelhirn

Functional MRI (fMRI) is a widely used tool for non-invasively measuring correlates of human brain activity. However, its use has mostly been focused upon ...

High-resolution Live Imaging of Cell Behavior in the Developing Neuroepithelium

The embryonic spinal cord consists of cycling neural progenitor cells that give rise to a large percentage of the neuronal and glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Although much is known about the molecular mechanisms that pattern the spinal cord and elicit neuronal differentiation1, 2, we lack a deep understanding of these early events at the level of cell behavior. It is thus critical to study the behavior of neural progenitors in real time as they undergo neurogenesis.
In the past, real-time imaging of early embryonic tissue has been limited by cell/tissue viability in culture as well as the phototoxic effects of fluorescent imaging. Here we present a novel assay for imaging such tissue for long periods of time, utilizing a novel ex vivo slice culture protocol and wide-field fluorescence microscopy (Fig. 1). This approach achieves long-term time-lapse monitoring of chick embryonic spinal cord progenitor cells with high spatial and temporal resolution.
This assay may be modified to image a range of embryonic tissues3, 4 In addition to the observation of cellular and sub-cellular behaviors, the development of novel and highly sensitive reporters for gene activity (for example, Notch signaling5) makes this assay a powerful tool with which to understand how signaling regulates cell behavior during embryonic development.

Imaging embryonic tissue in real-time is challenging over long periods of time. Here we present an assay for monitoring cellular and sub-cellular changes in chick spinal cord for long periods with high spatial and temporal resolution. This technique can be adapted for other regions of the nervous system and developing embryo.

Hochauflösende Live-Bildgebung von Zell-Verhalten in der Entwicklung von Neuroepithel

The embryonic spinal cord consists of cycling neural progenitor cells that give rise to a large percentage of the neuronal and glial cells of the central ...

Automated Quantification of Synaptic Fluorescence in C. elegans

Synapse strength refers to the amplitude of postsynaptic responses to presynaptic neurotransmitter release events, and has a major impact on overall neural circuit function. Synapse strength critically depends on the abundance of neurotransmitter receptors clustered at synaptic sites on the postsynaptic membrane. Receptor levels are established developmentally, and can be altered by receptor trafficking between surface-localized, subsynaptic, and intracellular pools, representing important mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation. Rigorous methods to quantify synaptically-localized neurotransmitter receptor abundance are essential to study synaptic development and plasticity. Fluorescence microscopy is an optimal approach because it preserves spatial information, distinguishing synaptic from non-synaptic pools, and discriminating among receptor populations localized to different types of synapses. The genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans is particularly well suited for these studies due to the small size and relative simplicity of its nervous system, its transparency, and the availability of powerful genetic techniques, allowing examination of native synapses in intact animals.
Here we present a method for quantifying fluorescently-labeled synaptic neurotransmitter receptors in C. elegans. Its key feature is the automated identification and analysis of individual synapses in three dimensions in multi-plane confocal microscope output files, tabulating position, volume, fluorescence intensity, and total fluorescence for each synapse. This approach has two principal advantages over manual analysis of z-plane projections of confocal data. First, because every plane of the confocal data set is included, no data are lost through z-plane projection, typically based on pixel intensity averages or maxima. Second, identification of synapses is automated, but can be inspected by the experimenter as the data analysis proceeds, allowing fast and accurate extraction of data from large numbers of synapses. Hundreds to thousands of synapses per sample can easily be obtained, producing large data sets to maximize statistical power. Considerations for preparing C. elegans for analysis, and performing confocal imaging to minimize variability between animals within treatment groups are also discussed. Although developed to analyze C. elegans postsynaptic receptors, this method is generally useful for any type of synaptically-localized protein, or indeed, any fluorescence signal that is localized to discrete clusters, puncta, or organelles.
The procedure is performed in three steps: 1) preparation of samples, 2) confocal imaging, and 3) image analysis. Steps 1 and 2 are specific to C. elegans, while step 3 is generally applicable to any punctate fluorescence signal in confocal micrographs.

Automated Quantification of Synaptic Fluorescence in C. elegans

The abundance of neurotransmitter receptors clustered at synapses strongly influences synaptic strength. This method quantifies fluorescently-labeled neurotransmitter receptors in three dimensions with single-synapse resolution in C. elegans, allowing hundreds of synapses to be rapidly characterized within a single sample without distortions introduced by z-plane projection.

Automatisierte Quantifizierung der Fluoreszenz-in Synaptic<em&gt; C elegans</em

Synapse strength refers to the amplitude of postsynaptic responses to presynaptic neurotransmitter release events, and has a major impact on overall ...

In vivo Neuronal Calcium Imaging in C. elegans

The nematode worm C. elegans is an ideal model organism for relatively simple, low cost neuronal imaging in vivo. Its small transparent body and simple, well-characterized nervous system allows identification and fluorescence imaging of any neuron within the intact animal. Simple immobilization techniques with minimal impact on the animal's physiology allow extended time-lapse imaging. The development of genetically-encoded calcium sensitive fluorophores such as cameleon 1 and GCaMP 2 allow in vivo imaging of neuronal calcium relating both cell physiology and neuronal activity. Numerous transgenic strains expressing these fluorophores in specific neurons are readily available or can be constructed using well-established techniques. Here, we describe detailed procedures for measuring calcium dynamics within a single neuron in vivo using both GCaMP and cameleon. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of both as well as various methods of sample preparation (animal immobilization) and image analysis. Finally, we present results from two experiments: 1) Using GCaMP to measure the sensory response of a specific neuron to an external electrical field and 2) Using cameleon to measure the physiological calcium response of a neuron to traumatic laser damage. Calcium imaging techniques such as these are used extensively in C. elegans and have been extended to measurements in freely moving animals, multiple neurons simultaneously and comparison across genetic backgrounds. C. elegans presents a robust and flexible system for in vivo neuronal imaging with advantages over other model systems in technical simplicity and cost.

In vivo Neuronal Calcium Imaging in C. elegans

With its small transparent body, well-documented neuroanatomy and a host of amenable genetic techniques and reagents, C. elegans makes an ideal model organism for in vivo neuronal imaging using relatively simple, low-cost techniques. Here we describe single neuron imaging within intact adult animals using genetically encoded fluorescent calcium indicators.

In vivo Neuronale Calcium Imaging in C. elegans

The nematode worm C. elegans is an ideal model organism  for relatively simple, low cost neuronal imaging in vivo. Its small transparent body and simple, ...