IN-SITU VISUALIZATION AND PHOTOABLATION OF INDIVIDUAL NEURONS USING ALOW-COST FIBER-OPTIC-BASED SYSTEM

This paper describes a low-cost system for in situ visualization and p hotoablation of single neurons. The system includes a fiber optics lig ht source equipped with a filter port, a blue excitation filter and a yellow barrier filter, and a light guide which terminates with a focus ing lens. This system is inexpensive, easy to use, and requires minima l maintenance. Given its price, this system is readily accessible and has the potential of becoming standard equipment for in situ visualiza tion and killing of individual neurons.