Name: direct visualization of the murine dorsal cochlear nucleus for optogenetic stimulation of the auditory pathway
Uploaded: 2015-01-20T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Direct Visualization of the Murine Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus for Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Pathway at JoVE.com

Funding: This work was supported by a Foundation Bertarelli grant (D.J.L), a MED-EL grant (D.J.L), and a National Institutes of Health Grants DC01089 (M.C.B.).

NOTE: All experimental procedures are performed in accordance with the Animal Care and Use Committee of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, which follow national animal care guidelines, including Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of laboratory Animals, the ILAR Guide, and the Animal Welfare Act.&#160;Experimental procedures listed below detail exposure of the left DCN. Use sterile&#160;instruments while performing survival surgery.
1. Primary Craniotomy and Dorsal Co...

<ol>
	<li>Lalwani, A., Mhatre, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cochlear+gene+therapy.">Cochlear gene therapy.</a> Ear Hear. 24 (4), 342-348 (2003).</li><li>Lalwani, A., Jero, J., Mhatre, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+issues+in+cochlear+gene+transfer.">Current issues in cochlear gene transfer.</a> Audiol Neurootol. 7 (3), 146-151 (2002).</li><li>Jero, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cochlear+gene+delivery+through+an+intact+round+window+membrane+in+mouse.">Cochlear gene delivery through an intact round window membrane in mouse.</a> Hum Gene Ther. 12 (5), 539-548 (2001).</li><li>Koh, S., Pettis, R., Mhatre, A., Lalwani, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cochlear+microinjection+and+its+effects+upon+auditory+function+in+the+guinea+pig.">Cochlear microinjection and its effects upon auditory function in the guinea pig.</a> Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 257 (9), 469-472 (2000).</li><li>Lalwani, A., Walsh, B., Reilly, P., Muzyczka, N., Mhatre, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+in+vivo+gene+therapy+for+hearing+disorders:+introduction+of+adeno-associated+virus+into+the+cochlea+of+the+guinea+pig.">Development of in vivo gene therapy for hearing disorders: introduction of adeno-associated virus into the cochlea of the guinea pig.</a> Gene Ther. 3 (7), 588-592 (1996).</li><li>Wareing, M., Lalwani, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cochlear+gene+therapy:+current+perspectives.">Cochlear gene therapy: current perspectives.</a> Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 5 (49), 27-30 (1999).</li><li>Han, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transgene+expression+in+the+guinea+pig+cochlea+mediated+by+a+lentivirus-derived+gene+transfer+vector.">Transgene expression in the guinea pig cochlea mediated by a lentivirus-derived gene transfer vector.</a> Hum Gene Ther. 10 (11), 1867-1873 (1999).</li><li>Akil, O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Restoration+of+hearing+in+the+VGLUT3+knockout+mouse+using+virally+mediated+gene+therapy.">Restoration of hearing in the VGLUT3 knockout mouse using virally mediated gene therapy.</a> Neuron. 75 (2), 283-293 (2012).</li><li>Hernandez, V. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optogenetic+stimulation+of+the+auditory+pathway.">Optogenetic stimulation of the auditory pathway.</a> J Clin Invest. 124 (3), 1114-1129 (2014).</li><li>Adamantidis, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optogenetic+interrogation+of+dopaminergic+modulation+of+the+multiple+phases+of+reward-seeking+behavior.">Optogenetic interrogation of dopaminergic modulation of the multiple phases of reward-seeking behavior.</a> J Neurosci. 30 (31), 10829-10835 (2011).</li><li>Kim, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optogenetic+mimicry+of+the+transient+activation+of+dopamine+neurons+by+natural+reward+is+sufficient+for+operant+reinforcement.">Optogenetic mimicry of the transient activation of dopamine neurons by natural reward is sufficient for operant reinforcement.</a> PloS One. 7 (4), e33612 (2012).</li><li>Britt, J., Bonci, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optogenetic+interrogations+of+the+neural+circuits+underlying+addiction.">Optogenetic interrogations of the neural circuits underlying addiction.</a> Curr Opin Neurobiol. 23 (4), 539-545 (2013).</li><li>Abbott, S., Coates, M., Stornetta, R., Guyenet, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optogenetic+stimulation+of+c1+and+retrotrapezoid+nucleus+neurons+causes+sleep+state-dependent+cardiorespiratory+stimulation+and+arousal+in+rats.">Optogenetic stimulation of c1 and retrotrapezoid nucleus neurons causes sleep state-dependent cardiorespiratory stimulation and arousal in rats.</a> Hypertension. 61 (4), 835-841 (2013).</li><li>Carter, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tuning+arousal+with+optogenetic+modulation+of+locus+coeruleus+neurons.">Tuning arousal with optogenetic modulation of locus coeruleus neurons.</a> Nat Neurosci. 13 (12), 1526-1533 (2010).</li><li>Darrow, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optogenetic+control+of+central+auditory+neurons.">Optogenetic control of central auditory neurons.</a> Assoc. Res. Otolaryngol. Abstr. (695), (2012).</li><li>Shimano, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+the+AAV-mediated+expression+of+channelrhodopsin-2+and+halorhodopsin+in+brainstem+neurons+mediating+auditory+signaling.">Assessment of the AAV-mediated expression of channelrhodopsin-2 and halorhodopsin in brainstem neurons mediating auditory signaling.</a> Brain Res. 1511, 138-152 (2013).</li><li>Doucet, J., Ryugo, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Projections+from+the+ventral+cochlear+nucleus+to+the+dorsal+cochlear+nucleus+in+rats.">Projections from the ventral cochlear nucleus to the dorsal cochlear nucleus in rats.</a> J Comp Neurol. 385, 245-264 (1997).</li><li>Brown, M., Drottar, M., Benson, T., Darrow, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Commissural+axons+of+the+mouse+cochlear+nucleus.">Commissural axons of the mouse cochlear nucleus.</a> J Comp Neurol. 521, 1683-1696 (2013).</li><li>Verma, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Auditory+responses+to+electric+and+infrared+neural+stimulation+of+the+rat+cochlear+nucleus.">Auditory responses to electric and infrared neural stimulation of the rat cochlear nucleus.</a> Hear Res. 310, 69-75 (2014).</li><li>Taberner, A. M., Liberman, M. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Response+properties+of+single+auditory+nerve+fibers+in+the+mouse.">Response properties of single auditory nerve fibers in the mouse.</a> J Neurophysiol. 93 (1), 557-569 (2005).</li><li>Rolls, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optogenetic+disruption+of+sleep+continuity+impairs+memory+consolidation.">Optogenetic disruption of sleep continuity impairs memory consolidation.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci. 108 (32), 13305-13310 (2011).</li><li>Huff, M., Miller, R., Deisseroth, K., Moorman, D., LaLumiere, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Posttraining+optogenetic+manipulations+of+basolateral+amygdala+activity+modulate+consolidation+of+inhibitory+avoidance+memory+in+rats.">Posttraining optogenetic manipulations of basolateral amygdala activity modulate consolidation of inhibitory avoidance memory in rats.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci. 110 (9), 3597-3602 (2013).</li><li>Stortkuhl, K., Fiala, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Smell+of+Blue+Light:+A+New+Approach+toward+Understanding+an+Olfactory+Neuronal+Network.">The Smell of Blue Light: A New Approach toward Understanding an Olfactory Neuronal Network.</a> Front Neurosci. 5 (72), (2011).</li><li>Hira, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcranial+optogenetic+stimulation+for+functional+mapping+of+the+motor+cortex.">Transcranial optogenetic stimulation for functional mapping of the motor cortex.</a> J Neurosci Methods. 179 (2), 258-263 (2009).</li><li>Ayling, O., Harrison, T., Boyd, J., Foroshkov, A., Murphy, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Automated+light-based+mapping+of+motor+cortex+by+photoactivation+of+channelrhodopsin-2+transgenic+mice.">Automated light-based mapping of motor cortex by photoactivation of channelrhodopsin-2 transgenic mice.</a> Nat Methods. 6 (3), 219-224 (2009).</li><li>Boyden, E., Zhang, F., Bamberg, E., Nagel, G., Deisseroth, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Millisecond-timescale,+genetically+targeted+optical+control+of+neural+activity.">Millisecond-timescale, genetically targeted optical control of neural activity.</a> Nat. Neurosci. 8, 1263-1268 (2005).</li></ol>

This paper describes the technique of direct visualization of the DCN in the murine model for manipulation of the central auditory system. The outlined approach of direct visualization provides significant advantages over the main alternative, which are stereotaxic approaches. Primarily, direct visualization of the DCN allows for immediate confirmation of the site of the brainstem, whereas stereotaxic approaches do not afford direct visualization. In experiments that necessitate prolonged incubation periods, as is the ca...

Virus-mediated gene transfer to reverse hearing loss has largely been focused on the peripheral auditory system.1 Targeting the cochlea, investigators have examined a host of delivery routes, including osmotic minipump infusion2, vector-transgene complex-soaked Gelfoam&#174;2 or gelatin sponge3, direct microinjection4; numerous gene transfer vectors, including adeno-associated viral vectors5,6, lentiviral vectors7, and cationic liposomes2; and the dissemination of gene transfer vectors beyond the target tissue2. Most recently, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-1 has been introduced in the cochlea in order to treat deafness in mice due to loss of vesicular glutamate transporter-3.8 Further, the application of optogenetics in peripheral auditory system has recently been described.9
Few studies, however, have examined gene transfer to the central auditory system. The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) of the brainstem contain second order neurons of the auditory pathway. While gene transfer techniques in the cochlear nucleus (CN) may be utilized for a host of investigations, gene transfer of opsins, light-sensitive proteins, to the DCN may also be utilized to enable optogenetics-based experimental techniques. Following virus-mediated gene transfer delivery of an opsin, such as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), the neurons of the DCN becomes sensitive to light stimuli. Optogenetic gene transfer has been previously attempted in several brainstem regions, including the rat retrotrapezoid nucleus, mouse locus coeruleus, monkey superior colliculus, and mouse ventral tegmental area.10-14
Recently, investigators have examined the use of optogenetics in the DCN.15,16 The DCN is the location of placement of auditory brainstem implants in humans, making it an attractive part of the auditory system to study for translational studies on auditory neuroprostheses. However, given the location of the DCN, surgical exposure is challenging. The technique described herein provides a protocol for maximal exposure of the DCN via posterior fossa approach to enable viral vector gene transfer and optogenetics-based experiments in a murine model. Previous studies used stereotactic microinjection into the DCN with channelrhodopsin-2.16 Stereotaxic injections, however, are potentially less accurate than injections made by direct visualization, especially in a nucleus as small and deep along the brainstem as the DCN. Transgenic mice expressing tissue specific proteins in the CN are also an attractive option and would obviate the need for gene transfer. Our protocol for exposure of the DCN would also work in transgenic mice as the DCN would need to be directly exposed for optical stimulation. This technique for surgical exposure of the DCN is adapted from previous protocols involving recordings from the auditory nerve and cochlear nucleus in mice and rat models.15,17-20
The overall goal of the protocol is to provide direct exposure to the CN to allow for gene transfer techniques. More specifically, the approach is compatible with both acute and survival surgery and the preparation can be repeated in the same animal for subsequent neurophysiological testing. The direct exposure of the DCN protocol has implications for optogenetics- and virus-mediated gene transfer-based experimentation in other nuclei of the brainstem.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="560">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:197px;">Name of the Material / Equipment</td>
			<td style="width:227px;">Company</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Catalog Number</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:197px;">Stereotaxic holder</td>
			<td style="width:227px;">Stoelting</td>
			<td>51500</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="42" rowspan="2" style="height:42px;width:197px;">Homeothermic blanket</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:227px;">Harvard</td>
			<td rowspan="2">507214</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:197px;">Scalpel blade #11</td>
			<td style="width:227px;">Fine Surgical Tools</td>
			<td>10011-00</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:197px;">Iris scissor</td>
			<td style="width:227px;">Fine Surgical Tools</td>
			<td>14084-08</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:197px;">5 French suction</td>
			<td style="width:227px;">Symmetry Surgical</td>
			<td>2777914</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:197px;">Dental Points</td>
			<td style="width:227px;">Henry Schein</td>
			<td>100-8170</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="25">
			<td height="46" rowspan="2" style="height:46px;width:197px;">Bone rongeur</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:227px;">Fine Surgical Tools</td>
			<td rowspan="2">16020-14</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
		</tr>
		<tr height="30">
			<td height="51" rowspan="2" style="height:52px;width:197px;">10 &#181;l Hamilton syringe</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:227px;">Hamilton&#160;</td>
			<td rowspan="2">7633-01</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="42" rowspan="2" style="height:42px;width:197px;">34 gauge, needle</td>
			<td rowspan="2" style="width:227px;">Hamilton&#160;</td>
			<td rowspan="2">207434</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Rongeurs</td>
			<td>Fine Surgical Tools</td>
			<td>16021-14</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

direct visualization of the murine dorsal cochlear nucleus for optogenetic stimulation of the auditory pathway

Investigation into the use of virus-mediated gene transfer to arrest or reverse hearing loss has largely been relegated to the peripheral auditory system. Few studies have examined gene transfer to the central auditory system. The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) of the brainstem, which contains second order neurons of the auditory pathway, is a potential site for gene transfer. In this protocol, a technique for direct and maximal exposure of the murine DCN via a posterior fossa approach is demonstrated. This approach allows for either acute or survival surgery. Following direct visualization of the DCN, a host of experiments are possible, including injection of opsins into the cochlear nucleus and subsequent stimulation by an optical fiber coupled to a blue light laser.&#160;Other neurophysiology experiments, such as electrical stimulation and neural injector tracings are also feasible.&#160;The level of visualization and the duration of stimulation achievable make this approach applicable to a wide range of experiments.

Partial Cerebellar Aspiration Demonstrates Access to the Cochlear Nucleus
After the skin and muscle overlying the skull are removed, skull surface landmarks, such as the coronal and lamda suture lines, demonstrate the approximate localization of the craniotomy. Following craniotomy with rongeurs, the cerebellum is visualized. Careful aspiration of the small portion of the cerebellum demonstrates visualization of the CN, which can then be injected (Figure 1).
<p cl...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Direct Visualization of the Murine Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus for Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Pathway at JoVE.com

Direct Visualization of the Murine Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus for Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Pathway

The goal of this protocol is to outline a surgical approach to provide direct access to the dorsal cochlear nucleus in a murine model.

Investigation into the use of virus-mediated gene transfer to arrest or reverse hearing loss has largely been relegated to the peripheral auditory system. ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

TMS: Using the Theta-Burst Protocol to Explore Mechanism of Plasticity in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), also known as Martin-Bell Syndrome, is a genetic abnormality found on the X chromosome.1,2 Individuals suffering from FXS ...

The NeuroStar TMS Device: Conducting the FDA Approved Protocol for Treatment of Depression

The Neuronetics NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) System is a class II medical device that produces brief duration, pulsed magnetic ...

Electrode Positioning and Montage in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique that has been intensively investigated in the past decade as this method offers a ...

Selective Viral Transduction of Adult-born Olfactory Neurons for Chronic in vivo Optogenetic Stimulation

Selective Viral Transduction of Adult-born Olfactory Neurons for Chronic in vivo Optogenetic Stimulation

Local interneurons are continuously regenerated in the olfactory bulb of adult rodents1-3. In this process, called adult neurogenesis, neural stem cells ...

Visualization of Proprioceptors in Drosophila Larvae and Pupae

Visualization of Proprioceptors in Drosophila Larvae and Pupae

Proprioception is the ability to sense the motion, or position, of body parts by responding to stimuli arising within the body. In fruitflies and other ...

Fiber-optic Implantation for Chronic Optogenetic Stimulation of Brain Tissue

Elucidating patterns of neuronal connectivity has been a challenge for both clinical and basic neuroscience. Electrophysiology has been the gold standard ...

Optogenetic Stimulation of Escape Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

Optogenetic Stimulation of Escape Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

A  growing number of genetically encoded tools are becoming available that allow non-invasive  manipulation of the neural activity of specific neurons in ...

In vivo Optogenetic Stimulation of the Rodent Central Nervous System

In vivo Optogenetic Stimulation of the Rodent Central Nervous System

The ability to probe defined neural circuits in awake, freely-moving animals with cell-type specificity, spatial precision, and high temporal resolution ...

Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve

Direct electrical stimulation of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) by cochlear implants (CIs) enables open speech comprehension in the majority of implanted ...

Analysis of Gene Expression Changes in the Rat Hippocampus After Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Thalamic Nucleus

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, targeting various regions of the brain such as the basal ganglia, thalamus, and subthalamic regions, is an effective ...