Figure 2.

A custom-made electronically controlled mechanical stimulator and the mechanical stimulation protocol for in vivo calcium imaging. (A) Photos of the electronically controlled mechanical stimulator and its stamp. Top view showing the lever attached to the handle, sideview giving insight into the rotation angle of the lever highlighted in red and the stamp attachment (black circle). Enlarged picture of the stamp in comparison to a one penny coin. (B) Illustration of the mechanical stimulation protocol. Weight was increased from 100 g (0.09 N) to 1,000 g (0.9 N) in 100 g increments every 60 s. Stimulus duration was about 1 s.