Optogenetic modulation of dopaminergic neurons

Output Details

This protocol describes an optogenetic activation of neuromelanine-laden dopaminergic neurons in the SNc-VTA. We induce neuromelanin (NM) in the SNc-VTA through viral expression of a humane tyrosinase virus. Furhtermore we express a red-absorbing opsin in one hemispherend and blue absorbing in the other hemisphere. We detail how we optognetic stimulateanimals in over four weeks. This optogenetic deep brain stimulation induces a reduction in neuromelanine levels in dopaminergic neurons, and rescues behavioral phenotypes as evaluate in the grip strength test.
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