These studies use imaging techniques to assess the effects of ethanol (R21 AA022168) and toluene (DA01351) on cortical neuron excitability. Approaches include in vivo 2-photon microscopy (in collaboration with MUSC colleagues Dr. Prakash Kara and. Dr. Andy Shih), in vivo fiber photometry, viral-mediated delivery of genetically encoded calcium and glutamate sensors and use of GCaMP6 expressing transgenic mice.  

 

2P in vivo calcium Imaging of mouse visual cortex-acute ethanol reduces sensory evoked calcium transients

2P in vivo glutamate imaging of mouse visual cortex-acute ethanol reduces sensory evoked changes in glutamate

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Effects of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on mouse visual cortex. CIE reduces orientation selectivity while increasing peak amplitude of responses.

In vivo fiber photometry of mouse prefrontal cortex. Traces show neuronal calcium transients from GCaMP6 mouse before, during and after exposure to toluene vapor. 

fiber photometry data