Whole-brain images of neuronal activation

Whole-brain datasets showing neurons activated in different phases of fear memory. The step-through inhibitory avoidance paradigm is used. In this paradigm, a cage with two compartments (one bright and one dark) is used. The mouse is placed in the bright compartment and has a natural tendency to move into the dark one. Here, in the training phase, it receives a mild electric foot shock. In the test phase, the mouse is placed again in the bright compartment, and the latency time to move into the dark one is considered as a measure of memory. No foot shock occurs during test. Four different experimental classes are studied: homecage (control), training, test 24h after training, test 1 week after training. Neuronal activation is visualized through the expression of the immediate early gene c-fos, using the FosTRAP transgenic line (Guenthner et al., Neuron 2013). Images are then obtained by using light-sheet microscopy in combination with tissue clearing. Native resolution of data is 0.65x0.65x2 microns; downloadable data are downscaled to 10x10x10 microns to keep data size reasonable. Data are from both male and female mice, of age between 3 and 6 months.