Bioluminescence imaging of the brain response to acute inflammation in living C/EBP reporter mice

► A novel transgenic C/EBP-luc (luciferase) reporter mouse model is described. ► C/EBP activity induced by systemic inflammation is monitored in real-time. ► A striking brain response to inflammation is detected in vivo by C/EBP-luc mice. ► The effect of dexamethasone on brain inflammation is assayed noninvasively. ► The C/EBP-luc model is a potential tool for in vivo studies on neuroinflammation.