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Optogenetic Stimulation

Light-Based Neural Circuit Manipulation

Description

Publications

Optogenetics combines genetic targeting with optical stimulation to control neural activity with unprecedented precision. By expressing light-sensitive proteins (opsins) in specific cell populations, researchers can activate or silence neurons with millisecond temporal resolution using light pulses [doi.org/10.1038/s43586-022-00136-4]. When combined with fiber photometry, behavior, or electrophysiology, open or closed-loop optogenetic manipulation can be a very effective tool for researchers to probe and understand neural circuitry.

One important aspect of successful optogenetic stimulation is that ability to control light delivery with high enough power and precise pulse modulation. TDT is the industry leader in real-time sample-for-sample signal control and our systems have been used for direct LED stimulation [doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00632] or controlled using pulse train TTL synchronization.

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Michoud … Lacour, et al “Optical cuff for optogenetic control of the peripheral nervous system.” J Neural Eng. Feb, 2018. doi: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa9126.

Yazdan-Shahmorad … Sabes, et al “A Large-Scale Interface for Optogenetic Stimulation and Recording in Nonhuman Primates.” Neuron. Mar, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.01.013.

Light-Based Neural Circuit Manipulation

TDD has a several amazing options for adding optogenetic stimulation to your research.

Our iX7 has built-in red (635 nm or 590 nm) color LED stimulation for common opsins like ChR, Jaws, and more. The ‘STIM’ port can also be modified to allow customers to route external lasers into the iX7 via an FC port for higher power or different color stimulation.

Our IL24 module is perfect for triggering external LEDs or lasers for a more flexible setup.

Research Uses

  • Operant Behavioral Tasks
  • Sleep Studies
  • Addition Studies
  • Chronic Free Behavior
  • Optogenetic Manipulations
  • Brain-Gut Interaction
  • Probing Neural Circuitry

IX7 Integrated Optogenetic Stimulation Module

The iX7 is TDT’s premier fiber photometry module, but also features an integrated red (590 nm or 635 nm) optogenetic LED for stimulation through implanted fibers. The single subject cable port design simplifies fiber connections to make set up easy. This is an ideal solution for same-site green photometry + red optogenetics.

Premier Digital TTL Module

The iL24 is a digital TTL I/O module that is perfect for triggering external LEDs or lasers. Researchers often combine the iL24 with an iX6 + LxM6 photometry module if they want to do same-site blue opto and red fluorescent recording, or if they are doing dedicated optogenetic stimulation implants without photometry. Because the iL24 has 12 input ports and 12 output ports, researchers can also access additional ports for coordination of third-party devices such as Arduinos, external imaging systems, FED3 devices, Med Associates™ SuperPort, and more.

The iL24 has real-time precision time stamping of onset and offset TTL events that are synchronized alongside all your other TDT data. Digital signaling can also be paired with integrated Synapse gizmos to strobe other events such as pulse trains for optogenetic stimulation, or can be used to easily manage behavior state logic with our sophisticated Pynapse software.

Why TDT?

When you choose a TDT behavioral neuroscience recording system you choose legacy, innovation, and commitment. Every system is designed and assembled at our headquarters in Alachua, Florida by our long-time employees.

All images of animals include artwork (modified or otherwise) from BioRender.