Imaging dell'attività di cellule e circuiti neurali

Central nervous system activity can be demonstrated at different levels, from the genetic and molecular level through to the levels of cell membranes, neurons, synapses, local circuits and finally the central nervous system as a whole. Typically, the most refined methods for analysing molecular and cellular activity are used in experiments conducted in vitro, whereas in vivo measurements of clinical significance use non-invasive techniques with lower resolution. This brief article looks at how a relationship can be established between functions at molecular and cellular level and images of cerebral activity obtained through clinical investigations. The establishment of connections between different levels of activity through experimental demonstrations and the development of mathematical models increases understanding of the signals detected.