In vivo imaging and controlling methods using a transgenic mouse strategy for analysis of astrocytic Ca<sup>2+</sup>signals and screening of Ca<sup>2+</sup>-dependent neuromodulating factors

In vivo imaging and controlling methods using a transgenic mouse strategy for analysis of astrocytic Ca²⁺ signals and screening of Ca²⁺-dependent neuromodulating factors

Kazunori Kanemaru

Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Medicine

Since accumulating evidence shows astrocytic contribution to brain physiology and pathology, and Ca²⁺ signals in astrocytes regulate various astrocytic functions, the methods to analyze and control in vivo astrocytic Ca²⁺ activities are required.　Using transgenic mice strategy, we developed methods to visualize in vivo astrocytic Ca²⁺ activities with high spatiotemporal resolution and suppress inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Ca²⁺ signals in astrocytes.　These methods can be useful for screening analysis of astrocytic neuromodulating factors which are activated by astrocytic Ca²⁺ signals during brain pathological conditions.　This article introduces our methods and screening analysis using these methods.

Address correspondence to Dr. Kazunori Kanemaru, Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Medicine（30-1 Oyaguchi Kami-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan）