Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
612843 
Journal Article 
Holographic photolysis of caged neurotransmitters 
Lutz, C; Otis, TS; DeSars, V; Charpak, S; DiGregorio, DA; Emiliani, V 
2008 
1 
Nature Methods
ISSN: 1548-7091
EISSN: 1548-7105 
5 
9 
821-827 
Stimulation of light-sensitive chemical probes has become a powerful tool for the study of dynamic signaling processes in living tissue. Classically, this approach has been constrained by limitations of lens-based and point-scanning illumination systems. Here we describe a microscope configuration that incorporates a nematic liquid-crystal spatial light modulator to generate holographic patterns of illumination. This microscope can produce illumination spots of variable size and number, and in patterns shaped to precisely match user-defined elements in a specimen. Using holographic illumination to photolyze caged glutamate in brain slices, we show that shaped excitation on segments of neuronal dendrites and simultaneous, multispot excitation of different dendrites enables precise spatial and rapid temporal control of glutamate receptor activation. By allowing the excitation volume shape to be tailored precisely, the holographic microscope provides an extremely flexible method for activation of various photosensitive proteins and small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Nature Methods is the property of Nature Publishing Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts) 
NEUROTRANSMITTERS; TISSUES -- Analysis; GLUTAMIC acid; DENDRITES; PHOTOCHEMISTRY; HOLOGRAPHIC testing