Functional mapping of cortical networks in primates with laser stimulation

描述(由申请人提供)：本提案的目标是实现一种在功能磁共振扫描仪中使用近红外激光刺激来映射大脑电路的方法。通过使用激光聚焦于100-500微米大小的皮质功能构建块(皮质功能域)，我们可以选择性地激活在功能上连接到目标域的网络。这种能力将允许我们在不向大脑引入电极的情况下，以非侵入性的方式绘制灵长类动物大脑皮层的功能回路。将使用功能磁共振成像、光学成像和电生理方法来检查局部和全局连接模式。这种能力将为我们提供一个电路图，说明基本的皮质构建块如何在行为中产生特定的大脑功能，并反过来将导致发育 与神经学、神经精神病学和神经假体应用相关的方法学。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this proposal is to achieve a method to map circuits in the brain using near infrared laser stimulation in the FMRI scanner. By using the laser to focally target 100-500um sized building blocks of cortical function (cortical functional domains), we can selectively activate networks that are functionally linked to the targeted domains. Such a capability will allow us to map non-invasively, without the introduction of electrodes into the brain, functional circuits in the cerebral cortex of the primate. Both local an global connectivity patterns will be examined with fMRI, optical imaging, and electrophysiological methods. Such capability will give us a circuit diagram of how basic cortical building blocks produce specific brain functions in behavior and, in turn, will lead to development of methodologies relevant for neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neuroprosthetic applications.