Protocol for in vivo recording of neural activity in deep structures of mice brain via gradient lenses by calcium imaging.

Calcium (Ca) imaging is a viable approach for imaging neuronal activity patterns in local brain circuits in living animals. Here, we present a protocol for gradient lens implantation in deep brain structures followed by in vivo Ca imaging. We describe in detail the steps for surgery preparation, followed by lens implantation, setup for awake head-fixed imaging, and the recording process. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cherepanov et al..