Protocol for a saline-free surgical preparation of adult Drosophila for chronic in vivo brain imaging
Abstract
Longitudinal brain imaging is essential for understanding neural mechanisms. Here, we present a saline-free, chronic preparation for repeated neural recording in adult Drosophila over multiple days. We describe steps for mounting flies, performing manual surgery on the head cuticle without external saline, and resealing the opening to create a transparent optical window. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by tracking single-neuron spiking and neuronal calcium dynamics over 7-10 days. This protocol is potentially applicable to other insect species.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
Insect behavior and control techniques
Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- STAR Protocols
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 7
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 104550–104550
- Publication date
- 7 May 2026
- Language
- EN