Imaging Structural and Functional Dynamics in Xenopus Neurons

Abstract

In vivo time-lapse imaging has been a fruitful approach to identify structural and functional changes in the Xenopus nervous system in tadpoles and adult frogs. Structural imaging studies have identified fundamental aspects of brain connectivity, development, plasticity, and disease and have been instrumental in elucidating mechanisms regulating these events in vivo. Similarly, assessment of nervous system function using dynamic changes in calcium signals as a proxy for neuronal activity has demonstrated principles of neuron and circuit function and principles of information organization and transfer within the brain of living animals. Because of its many advantages as an experimental system, use of Xenopus has often been at the forefront of developing these imaging methods for in vivo applications. Protocols for in vivo structural and functional imaging—including cellular labeling strategies, image collection, and image analysis—will expand the use of Xenopus to understand brain development, function, and plasticity.

Aquatic Freshwater Vertebrate Models of Epilepsy Pathology: Past Discoveries and Future Directions for Therapeutic Discovery

“…A major advantage of zebrafish larva and Xenopus tadpoles is the ability to visualize the nervous system during seizure activity in real time. Using calcium imaging, scientists can look at both excitatory and inhibitory activity throughout the brain, identify areas of high activity, and assess the rate of spread of the seizure to other parts of the brain [ 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 ]. Calcium imaging can be combined with a variety of electrophysiological approaches to get a direct correlation between neuronal activity and electrical field potential [ 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 ].…”