Multiphoton laser scanning microscope

The ability to image tissues noninvasively in vivo at a micrometre spatial resolution has a wide range of applications in preclinical models of disease, particularly in neuroscience. The multiphoton laser scanning microscope at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), under the leadership of Dr. Bojana Stefanovic, allows cutting-edge in vivo neuroimaging.

This facility is a centralized resource equipped with a range of equipment for surgical preparation, anesthesia delivery, ventilation and physiological monitoring of animals. The microscope is equipped with two Titanium:Sapphire lasers for simultaneous imaging and photostimulation, which are of particularly interest given the recent rise of optogenetics. Localization of multi-photon excitation around the focus point of the laser beam (restricted to one cubic micron) reduces phototoxicity and photobleaching, thereby limiting specimen damage. Specialized optics enable imaging concomitant with photoexcitation of several prominent optogenetic actuators. We provide cost-effective access to the microscope and associated equipment as well as expertise in protocol development and training on the use of the equipment.

We are continually updating and expanding our services to keep up with advances in technology and its applications. Our facility is open to the SRI community as well as to investigators from external institutions. We offer the following services:

• development of anesthesia, surgical preparation and imaging protocols
• training on the use of the microscope and the associated equipment.

We also provide opportunities for SRI research fellows and students to gain experience and training. We encourage collaborative opportunities with investigators on research projects and support investigators' grant applications.