The goal of this project is to use in vivo two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) to examine changes in neuronal activity in ethanol-dependent mice. Chronic drinking that leads to dependence is associated with marked changes in brain function including impairments in cortical processing and cognition. These impairments likely underlie the transition to heavy drinking and elucidating the mechanisms that underlie these changes is critical towards developing treatments and interventions that restore control over behavior. A key limitation in the study of the mechanistic actions on alcohol on brain function is the reliance upon in vitro techniques to monitor neuronal function. These approaches, while extremely valuable, are hindered by the loss of relevant sensory input and disruption of normal circuitry during preparation of the in vitro tissue sample. While brain imaging approaches can avoid this complication, they are compromised by a lack of specificity with regard to spatial resolution and neuronal sub-type. In this application, we will use in vivo 2PLSM to image neuronal activity and neurovascular function in alcohol-dependent mice.
In Aim 1, we will utilize a recently developed line of mice that, when crossed with a specific Cre-driver mouse line, expresses the calcium-sensor protein GCaMP3 in a defined sub-population of neurons. Neuronal calcium dynamics will be monitored in glutamatergic pyramidal neurons and fast-spiking interneurons by crossing the GCaMP3 mice with the Wfs1-Tg2-CreERT2 line and Pvalb-2A-Cre line; respectively. Activity will be monitored both during rest and during presentation of visual cues that reliably induce activity in visual cortex neurons.
In Aim 2, neurovascular coupling (e.g., activity-dependent changes in local brain blood flow) will be monitored by the use of a dye recently shown by the Co-I to effectively signal changes in arteriolar blood flow. Together, results from these two complementary aims will establish the technique of in vivo 2PLSM in the study of alcohol action and will support future studies designed to analyze the effects of alcohol on cortical function.
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are major contributors to mortality and morbidity and impose a significant sociological and economic burden on the US population. Understanding the neurobiological consequences that result from excessive drinking and that contribute to relapse is an important goal of alcohol research. In this study, we employ a novel combination of cutting-edge techniques to examine the effects of alcohol on neurons within the cortex of the brain.
