The goal of this proposal is to achieve a method to map circuits in the brain using near infrared laser stimulation in the FMRI scanner. By using the laser to focally target 100-500um sized building blocks of cortical function (cortical functional domains), we can selectively activate networks that are functionally linked to the targeted domains. Such a capability will allow us to map non-invasively, without the introduction of electrodes into the brain, functional circuits in the cerebral cortex of the primate. Both local an global connectivity patterns will be examined with fMRI, optical imaging, and electrophysiological methods. Such capability will give us a circuit diagram of how basic cortical building blocks produce specific brain functions in behavior and, in turn, will lead to development of methodologies relevant for neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neuroprosthetic applications.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of this proposal is to achieve a method to map circuits in the brain using near infrared laser stimulation in the FMRI scanner. Said capability wil allow us to map circuits of small 100-500um sized building blocks (functional domains) in the cerebral cortex of the primate without the introduction of electrodes into the brain, and provide a circuit diagram of how basic cortical building blocks produce specific brain functions. This knowledge will be relevant for human neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neuroprosthetic applications, which in turn, will lead to development of methodologies that target these building blocks.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21MH095009-01A1
Application #
8302537
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-NT-L (09))
Program Officer
Freund, Michelle
Project Start
2012-08-15
Project End
2014-06-30
Budget Start
2012-08-15
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$223,864
Indirect Cost
$73,864
Name
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
004413456
City
Nashville
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37212
Roe, Anna Wang; Chernov, Mykyta M; Friedman, Robert M et al. (2015) In Vivo Mapping of Cortical Columnar Networks in the Monkey with Focal Electrical and Optical Stimulation. Front Neuroanat 9:135
Chernov, Mykyta; Roe, Anna Wang (2014) Infrared neural stimulation: a new stimulation tool for central nervous system applications. Neurophotonics 1:011011
Cayce, Jonathan M; Friedman, Robert M; Chen, Gang et al. (2014) Infrared neural stimulation of primary visual cortex in non-human primates. Neuroimage 84:181-90
Chernov, Mykyta Mikhailovich; Chen, Gang; Roe, Anna Wang (2014) Histological assessment of thermal damage in the brain following infrared neural stimulation. Brain Stimul 7:476-82