Abstract
A key assumption of optogenetics is that light only affects opsin-expressing neurons. However, illumination invariably heats tissue, and many physiological processes are temperature-sensitive. Commonly used illumination protocols increased the temperature by 0.2-2 °C and suppressed spiking in multiple brain regions. In the striatum, light delivery activated an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance and biased rotational behavior. Thus, careful consideration of light-delivery parameters is required, as even modest intracranial heating can confound interpretation of optogenetic experiments.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Action Potentials / drug effects
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Action Potentials / radiation effects
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Animals
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Barium Compounds / pharmacology
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Cerebral Cortex / cytology
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Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
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Chlorides / pharmacology
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Corpus Striatum / cytology
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Corpus Striatum / physiology*
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Hippocampus / cytology
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Hippocampus / physiology*
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Hot Temperature
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Ion Transport / drug effects
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Ion Transport / radiation effects
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Light
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Mice
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Motor Activity / radiation effects
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neurons / physiology*
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Neurons / radiation effects
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Optogenetics / methods
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Patch-Clamp Techniques
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Potassium / metabolism
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / drug effects
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / metabolism
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / radiation effects
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Research Design
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Temperature*
Substances
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Barium Compounds
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Chlorides
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Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
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barium chloride
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Potassium