Innovative Head-Mounted Microscope Maps Brain's Neurovascular Dynamics in Freely Moving Mice

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking head-mounted microscope that allows high-resolution imaging of neurovascular activity in mice during natural behavior. Published in Science Advances on April 24, 2025, this technology was created by a team led by Prof. Liu Chengbo from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The device, weighing just 1.7 grams, combines confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) and photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) into a single, portable instrument, enabling simultaneous visualization of neural activity and blood flow parameters.

The innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional neurovascular coupling (NVC) imaging techniques, which often struggle with delivering high spatial and temporal resolution simultaneously or require head-fixed setups that do not reflect natural behavior. By miniaturizing and integrating these imaging modalities, the team achieved a field of view of 400x400 micrometers with 1.5-micrometer lateral resolution at 0.78 Hz, capturing dynamic interactions between neurons and blood vessels.

In experiments involving freely moving mice, the microscope successfully monitored NVC during various physiological states, including hypoxia, sensory stimuli, and epileptic seizures. The results revealed cell-specific responses to hypoxia, the critical role of arterioles in maintaining oxygen levels during sensory activities, and abnormal blood flow patterns associated with epileptic discharges. These findings enhance our understanding of brain function and may provide new insights into neurological disorders.

Prof. Liu emphasized that this technology allows for high-resolution, dual-modal imaging in naturalistic settings, paving the way for deeper investigations into the mechanisms of neurovascular coupling and brain pathology. The study represents a significant leap forward in neuroimaging technology, offering a powerful tool for studying brain dynamics in freely behaving animals, which could ultimately improve our understanding of human brain diseases.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-mounted-microscope-reveals-high-resolution.html