Multi-Region Microdialysis Imaging Platform Revealed Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Calcium Signaling and Serotonin Dynamics during Nociceptive Pain

Abstract

In this research, we combined our ultralight micro-imaging device for calcium imaging with microdialysis to simultaneously visualize neural activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and measure serotonin release in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Using this platform, we observed brain activity following nociception induced by formalin injection in the mouse’s hind paw. Our device showed that DRN fluorescence intensity increased after formalin injection, and the increase was highly correlated with the elevation in serotonin release in both the CeA and ACC. The increase in calcium fluorescence intensity occurred during the acute and inflammatory phases, which suggests the biphasic response of nociceptive pain. Furthermore, we found that the increase in fluorescence intensity was positively correlated with mouse licking behavior. Lastly, we compared the laterality of pain stimulation and found that DRN fluorescence activity was higher for contralateral stimulation. Microdialysis showed that CeA serotonin concentration increased only after contralateral stimulation, while ACC serotonin release responded bilaterally. In conclusion, our study not only revealed the inter-regional serotonergic connection among the DRN, the CeA, and the ACC, but also demonstrated that our device is feasible for multi-site implantation in conjunction with a microdialysis system, allowing the simultaneous multi-modal observation of different regions in the brain.