Figure 4.

Common techniques for loading of calcium indicators. Calcium indicators can broadly be categorized into genetically-encoded (GECIs) or chemical calcium indicators. GECIs can be introduced via transgenic mouse lines or through the injection of a viral vector containing a GECI into the target tissue. Chemical calcium indicators can be introduced in several ways, however, the most common is through bulk loading with an AM-ester bound indicator, or via single-cell pipette loading. Both of these techniques can be performed in vitro or in vivo.