University of Geneva, Department of Basic Neurosciences, Geneva, Switzerland.
Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Adaptive Mechanisms and Evolution, UMR7179-CNRS, Paris, France.
Nat Methods. 2020 Oct;17(10):1052-1059. doi: 10.1038/s41592-020-0961-2. Epub 2020 Sep 29.
Accurate tracking and analysis of animal behavior is crucial for modern systems neuroscience. However, following freely moving animals in naturalistic, three-dimensional (3D) or nocturnal environments remains a major challenge. Here, we present EthoLoop, a framework for studying the neuroethology of freely roaming animals. Combining real-time optical tracking and behavioral analysis with remote-controlled stimulus-reward boxes, this system allows direct interactions with animals in their habitat. EthoLoop continuously provides close-up views of the tracked individuals and thus allows high-resolution behavioral analysis using deep-learning methods. The behaviors detected on the fly can be automatically reinforced either by classical conditioning or by optogenetic stimulation via wirelessly controlled portable devices. Finally, by combining 3D tracking with wireless neurophysiology we demonstrate the existence of place-cell-like activity in the hippocampus of freely moving primates. Taken together, we show that the EthoLoop framework enables interactive, well-controlled and reproducible neuroethological studies in large-field naturalistic settings.
准确跟踪和分析动物行为对于现代系统神经科学至关重要。然而，在自然环境、三维（3D）或夜间环境中跟踪自由移动的动物仍然是一个主要挑战。在这里，我们提出了 EthoLoop，这是一个用于研究自由漫游动物神经行为学的框架。该系统将实时光学跟踪和行为分析与远程控制的刺激-奖励箱相结合，允许在动物栖息地与它们直接互动。EthoLoop 持续提供被跟踪个体的特写视图，从而可以使用深度学习方法进行高分辨率行为分析。飞行中检测到的行为可以通过经典条件反射或通过无线控制的便携式设备进行光遗传学刺激自动强化。最后，通过将 3D 跟踪与无线神经生理学相结合，我们证明了自由移动的灵长类动物海马体中存在类似于位置细胞的活动。总之，我们表明 EthoLoop 框架能够在大场自然环境中进行交互式、良好控制和可重复的神经行为学研究。
