Protocol for recording neuronal activity in food and cocaine self-administration in freely behaving mice using calcium imaging.

In vivo calcium imaging has revealed complex neural activity during operant conditioning. Here, we present a protocol for large-scale, long-term recording of neural activity in freely behaving mice using viral injection, gradient lens implantation, and miniscope imaging during food and cocaine administration. We describe daily administration guidelines for comparing food- and cocaine-seeking behaviors. We further detail the procedures for the simultaneous self-administration of food and cocaine while integrating neural imaging recordings. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Glanzberg et al.(1).