Optogenetic control of genetically-targeted pyramidal neuron activity in prefrontal cortex

TL;DR

This paper introduces optogenetic tools for precise, reversible control of genetically targeted pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex, enabling detailed study of their role in cortical information processing.

Contribution

The study presents a simple method for selectively activating or inhibiting prefrontal excitatory neurons using optogenetics in both in vitro and in vivo settings.

Findings

Effective light-activated control of pyramidal neurons demonstrated

Tools enable rapid, reversible modulation of neuronal activity

Custom in vivo devices facilitate precise light delivery and recording

Abstract

A salient feature of prefrontal cortex organization is the vast diversity of cell types that support the temporal integration of events required for sculpting future responses. A major obstacle in understanding the routing of information among prefrontal neuronal subtypes is the inability to manipulate the electrical activity of genetically defined cell types over behaviorally relevant timescales and activity patterns. To address these constraints, we present here a simple approach for selective activation of prefrontal excitatory neurons in both in vitro and in vivo preparations. Rat prelimbic pyramidal neurons were genetically targeted to express a light-activated nonselective cation channel, channelrhodopsin-2, or a light-driven inward chloride pump, halorhodopsin, which enabled them to be rapidly and reversibly activated or inhibited by pulses of light. These light responsive tools provide a spatially and temporally precise means of studying how different cell types contribute to information processing in cortical circuits. Our customized optrodes and optical commutators for in vivo recording allow for efficient light delivery and recording and can be requested at www.neuro-cloud.net/nature-precedings/baratta.