Development of stereotaxic recording system for awake marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract

The common marmoset has been proposed as a potential alternative to macaque monkey as a primate model for neuroscience and medical research. Here, we have newly developed a stereotaxic neuronal recording system for awake marmosets under the head-fixed condition by modifying that for macaque monkeys. Using this system, we recorded neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex of awake marmosets and successfully identified the primary motor cortex by intracortical microstimulation. Neuronal activities of deep brain structures, such as the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum, in awake marmosets were also successfully recorded referring to magnetic resonance images. Our system is suitable for functional mapping of the brain, since the large recording chamber allows access to arbitrary regions over almost the entire brain, and the recording electrode can be easily moved stereotaxically from one site to another. In addition, our system is desirable for neuronal recording during task performance to assess motor skills and cognitive function, as the marmoset sits in the marmoset chair and can freely use its hands. Moreover, our system can be used in combination with cutting-edge techniques, such as two-photon imaging and optogenetic manipulation. This recording system will contribute to boosting neuroscience and medical research using marmosets.

Functional Localization of the Frontal Eye Fields in the Common Marmoset Using Microstimulation

“…8 for a schematic summary). We observed patterns of skeletomotor responses consistent with previous ICMS investigations of marmoset motor and premotor cortex (Burish et al, 2008;Wakabayashi et al, 2018). Anterior to these motor areas, we observed a suite of oculomotor responses across frontal cortex that we propose correspond to three cortical eye fields.…”

“…At the most posterior sites, we observed primarily single joint movements with a gross mediolateral topography. We observed hindlimb movements (leg, foot, toes) most medially, followed by forelimb (arm, hand, finger) and facial movements (eyelid, ear, nose, jaw) most laterally, an organization characteristic of primary motor cortex (area 4) (Burish et al, 2008;Wakabayashi et al, 2018). Anterior to this, we observed overlapping representation of forelimb, facial, shoulder, and neck musculature with no obvious organization, similar to that observed in the marmoset premotor cortex (area 6) (Burish et al, 2008;cf.…”

Behavioral training of marmosets and electrophysiological recording from the cerebellum

“…The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has gained attention for neurophysiological investigation in recent years because of its potential for transgenic manipulation (Kishi et al 2014;Miller et al 2016;Sasaki et al 2009). Marmosets are small, New World primates with no known lethal zoonotic diseases that are transmittable to humans (Wakabayashi et al 2018). Behaviorally, they share important attributes with us: they are social and live in family units, they are vocal and rely on species-specific sound production for their communication, and they are visual and use saccadic eye movements to explore their environment.…”

Arm movements induced by noninvasive optogenetic stimulation of the motor cortex in the common marmoset

“…S8 A and B ). On the basis of the ICMS current threshold determined in movement induction and other studies (26, 27), we determined the borders between M1 and the premotor area (PM) and between M1 and the somatosensory area 3a (Fig. 3 A ).…”