1
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Wilson AC, Sweeney LB. Spinal cords: Symphonies of interneurons across species. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1146449. [PMID: 37180760 PMCID: PMC10169611 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1146449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate movement is orchestrated by spinal inter- and motor neurons that, together with sensory and cognitive input, produce dynamic motor behaviors. These behaviors vary from the simple undulatory swimming of fish and larval aquatic species to the highly coordinated running, reaching and grasping of mice, humans and other mammals. This variation raises the fundamental question of how spinal circuits have changed in register with motor behavior. In simple, undulatory fish, exemplified by the lamprey, two broad classes of interneurons shape motor neuron output: ipsilateral-projecting excitatory neurons, and commissural-projecting inhibitory neurons. An additional class of ipsilateral inhibitory neurons is required to generate escape swim behavior in larval zebrafish and tadpoles. In limbed vertebrates, a more complex spinal neuron composition is observed. In this review, we provide evidence that movement elaboration correlates with an increase and specialization of these three basic interneuron types into molecularly, anatomically, and functionally distinct subpopulations. We summarize recent work linking neuron types to movement-pattern generation across fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lora B. Sweeney
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Lower Austria, Austria
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2
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Dacre J, Sánchez Rivera M, Schiemann J, Currie S, Ammer JJ, Duguid I. A cranial implant for stabilizing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in behaving rodents. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 390:109827. [PMID: 36871604 PMCID: PMC10375832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo patch-clamp recording techniques provide access to the sub- and suprathreshold membrane potential dynamics of individual neurons during behavior. However, maintaining recording stability throughout behavior is a significant challenge, and while methods for head restraint are commonly used to enhance stability, behaviorally related brain movement relative to the skull can severely impact the success rate and duration of whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. NEW METHOD We developed a low-cost, biocompatible, and 3D-printable cranial implant capable of locally stabilizing brain movement, while permitting equivalent access to the brain when compared to a conventional craniotomy. RESULTS Experiments in head-restrained behaving mice demonstrate that the cranial implant can reliably reduce the amplitude and speed of brain displacements, significantly improving the success rate of recordings across repeated bouts of motor behavior. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Our solution offers an improvement on currently available strategies for brain stabilization. Due to its small size, the implant can be retrofitted to most in vivo electrophysiology recording setups, providing a low cost, easily implementable solution for increasing intracellular recording stability in vivo. CONCLUSIONS By facilitating stable whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in vivo, biocompatible 3D printed implants should accelerate the investigation of single neuron computations underlying behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Dacre
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Michelle Sánchez Rivera
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Julia Schiemann
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen Currie
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Julian J Ammer
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Ian Duguid
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Patrick Wild Centre, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
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3
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Zhu L, Bai S, Li R, Sun H, Qi R, Cai R, Li M, Jia G, Cao X, Schriver KE, Li X, Gao L. Selective corticofugal modulation on sound processing in auditory thalamus of awake marmosets. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:3372-3386. [PMID: 35851798 PMCID: PMC10068278 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cortical feedback has long been considered crucial for the modulation of sensory perception and recognition. However, previous studies have shown varying modulatory effects of the primary auditory cortex (A1) on the auditory response of subcortical neurons, which complicate interpretations regarding the function of A1 in sound perception and recognition. This has been further complicated by studies conducted under different brain states. In the current study, we used cryo-inactivation in A1 to examine the role of corticothalamic feedback on medial geniculate body (MGB) neurons in awake marmosets. The primary effects of A1 inactivation were a frequency-specific decrease in the auditory response of most MGB neurons coupled with an increased spontaneous firing rate, which together resulted in a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we report for the first time that A1 robustly modulated the long-lasting sustained response of MGB neurons, which changed the frequency tuning after A1 inactivation, e.g. some neurons are sharper with corticofugal feedback and some get broader. Taken together, our results demonstrate that corticothalamic modulation in awake marmosets serves to enhance sensory processing in a manner similar to center-surround models proposed in visual and somatosensory systems, a finding which supports common principles of corticothalamic processing across sensory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Yuanqing Zhang
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Siyi Bai
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Runze Qi
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Ruolan Cai
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Min Li
- Division of Psychology , State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai St, Haidian District, Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Guoqiang Jia
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Xinyuan Cao
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Kenneth E Schriver
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine , Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020 , China
| | - Xinjian Li
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
- Department of Neurobiology , NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020 , China
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
- Department of Neurobiology , NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020 , China
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4
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Valencia D, Mercier PP, Alimohammad A. In vivo neural spike detection with adaptive noise estimation. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35820400 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac8077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The ability to reliably detect neural spikes from a relatively large population of neurons contaminated with noise is imperative for reliable decoding of recorded neural information. This article first analyzes the accuracy and feasibility of various potential spike detection techniques for in vivo realizations. Then an accurate and computationally-efficient spike detection module that can autonomously adapt to variations in recording channels' statistics is presented. The accuracy of the chosen candidate spike detection technique is evaluated using both synthetic and real neural recordings. The designed detector also offers the highest decoding performance over two animal behavioral datasets among alternative detection methods. The implementation results of the designed 128-channel spike detection module in a standard 180-nm CMOS process is among the most area and power-efficient spike detection ASICs and operates within the tissue-safe constraints for brain implants, while offering adaptive noise estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Valencia
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California, 92182, UNITED STATES
| | - Patrick P Mercier
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, Engineer Ln, San Diego, California, 92161, UNITED STATES
| | - Amir Alimohammad
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California, 92182, UNITED STATES
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5
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Valero M, Zutshi I, Yoon E, Buzsáki G. Probing subthreshold dynamics of hippocampal neurons by pulsed optogenetics. Science 2022; 375:570-574. [PMID: 35113721 PMCID: PMC9632609 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm1891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) inputs are integrated by neurons requires monitoring their subthreshold behavior. We probed the subthreshold dynamics using optogenetic depolarizing pulses in hippocampal neuronal assemblies in freely moving mice. Excitability decreased during sharp-wave ripples coupled with increased I. In contrast to this "negative gain," optogenetic probing showed increased within-field excitability in place cells by weakening I and unmasked stable place fields in initially non-place cells. Neuronal assemblies active during sharp-wave ripples in the home cage predicted spatial overlap and sequences of place fields of both place cells and unmasked preexisting place fields of non-place cells during track running. Thus, indirect probing of subthreshold dynamics in neuronal populations permits the disclosing of preexisting assemblies and modes of neuronal operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Valero
- Neuroscience Institute, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA,Corresponding author. (M.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Ipshita Zutshi
- Neuroscience Institute, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Euisik Yoon
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - György Buzsáki
- Neuroscience Institute, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA,Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neurology, Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA,Corresponding author. (M.V.); (G.B.)
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6
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Intracellular neuronal recording in awake nonhuman primates. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:3615-3631. [PMID: 33046899 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular neuronal recordings from the brain of awake nonhuman primates have remained difficult to obtain because of several formidable technical challenges, such as poor recording stability and difficulties in maintaining long-term recording conditions. We have developed a technique to record neuronal activity by using a coaxial guide tube and sharp electrode assembly, which allows researchers to repeatedly and reliably perform intracellular recordings in the cortex of awake marmosets. Recordings from individual neurons last from several minutes to more than an hour. A key advantage of this approach is that it does not require dura removal, permitting recordings over weeks and months in a single animal. This protocol describes the step-by-step procedures for construction of a custom-made marmoset chair, head-cap implantation, preparation of the sharp electrode and guide tube, neuronal recording and data analysis. As the technique is practical and easy to adapt, we anticipate that it can also be applied to other mammalian models, including larger-size nonhuman primates.
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7
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Gao L, Wang X. Subthreshold Activity Underlying the Diversity and Selectivity of the Primary Auditory Cortex Studied by Intracellular Recordings in Awake Marmosets. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:994-1005. [PMID: 29377991 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular recording studies have revealed diverse and selective neural responses in the primary auditory cortex (A1) of awake animals. However, we have limited knowledge on subthreshold events that give rise to these responses, especially in non-human primates, as intracellular recordings in awake animals pose substantial technical challenges. We developed a novel intracellular recording technique in awake marmosets to systematically study subthreshold activity of A1 neurons that underlies their diverse and selective spiking responses. Our findings showed that in contrast to predominantly transient depolarization observed in A1 of anesthetized animals, both transient and sustained depolarization (during or beyond the stimulus period) were observed. Comparing with spiking responses, subthreshold responses were often longer lasting in duration and more broadly tuned in frequency, and showed narrower intensity tuning in non-monotonic neurons and lower response threshold in monotonic neurons. These observations demonstrated the enhancement of stimulus selectivity from subthreshold to spiking responses in individual A1 neurons. Furthermore, A1 neurons classified as regular- or fast-spiking subpopulation based on their spike shapes exhibited distinct response properties in frequency and intensity domains. These findings provide valuable insights into cortical integration and transformation of auditory information at the cellular level in auditory cortex of awake non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Gao
- Laboratory of Auditory Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Laboratory of Auditory Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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8
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Kumar SS, Baker MS, Okandan M, Muthuswamy J. Engineering microscale systems for fully autonomous intracellular neural interfaces. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:1. [PMID: 34567658 PMCID: PMC8433365 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-019-0121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Conventional electrodes and associated positioning systems for intracellular recording from single neurons in vitro and in vivo are large and bulky, which has largely limited their scalability. Further, acquiring successful intracellular recordings is very tedious, requiring a high degree of skill not readily achieved in a typical laboratory. We report here a robotic, MEMS-based intracellular recording system to overcome the above limitations associated with form factor, scalability, and highly skilled and tedious manual operations required for intracellular recordings. This system combines three distinct technologies: (1) novel microscale, glass-polysilicon penetrating electrode for intracellular recording; (2) electrothermal microactuators for precise microscale movement of each electrode; and (3) closed-loop control algorithm for autonomous positioning of electrode inside single neurons. Here we demonstrate the novel, fully integrated system of glass-polysilicon microelectrode, microscale actuators, and controller for autonomous intracellular recordings from single neurons in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica (n = 5 cells). Consistent resting potentials (<-35 mV) and action potentials (>60 mV) were recorded after each successful penetration attempt with the controller and microactuated glass-polysilicon microelectrodes. The success rate of penetration and quality of intracellular recordings achieved using electrothermal microactuators were comparable to that of conventional positioning systems. Preliminary data from in vivo experiments in anesthetized rats show successful intracellular recordings. The MEMS-based system offers significant advantages: (1) reduction in overall size for potential use in behaving animals, (2) scalable approach to potentially realize multi-channel recordings, and (3) a viable method to fully automate measurement of intracellular recordings. This system will be evaluated in vivo in future rodent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathy Sampath Kumar
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Michael S. Baker
- Mechanical Engineering, Sandia National laboratories, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | | | - Jit Muthuswamy
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
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9
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Valero M, English DF. Head-mounted approaches for targeting single-cells in freely moving animals. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 326:108397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Cid E, de la Prida LM. Methods for single-cell recording and labeling in vivo. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 325:108354. [PMID: 31302156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Targeting individual neurons in vivo is a key method to study the role of single cell types within local and brain-wide microcircuits. While novel technological developments now permit assessing activity from large number of cells simultaneously, there is currently no better solution than glass micropipettes to relate the physiology and morphology of single-cells. Sharp intracellular, juxtacellular, loose-patch and whole-cell approaches are some of the configurations used to record and label individual neurons. Here, we review procedures to establish successful electrophysiological recordings in vivo followed by appropriate labeling for post hoc morphological analysis. We provide operational recommendations for optimizing each configuration and a generic framework for functional, neurochemical and morphological identification of the different cell-types in a given region. Finally, we highlight emerging approaches that are challenging our current paradigms for single-cell recording and labeling in the living brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cid
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Ave Doctor Arce 37, Madrid, 28002, Spain
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11
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Holst GL, Stoy W, Yang B, Kolb I, Kodandaramaiah SB, Li L, Knoblich U, Zeng H, Haider B, Boyden ES, Forest CR. Autonomous patch-clamp robot for functional characterization of neurons in vivo: development and application to mouse visual cortex. J Neurophysiol 2019; 121:2341-2357. [PMID: 30969898 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00738.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Patch clamping is the gold standard measurement technique for cell-type characterization in vivo, but it has low throughput, is difficult to scale, and requires highly skilled operation. We developed an autonomous robot that can acquire multiple consecutive patch-clamp recordings in vivo. In practice, 40 pipettes loaded into a carousel are sequentially filled and inserted into the brain, localized to a cell, used for patch clamping, and disposed. Automated visual stimulation and electrophysiology software enables functional cell-type classification of whole cell-patched cells, as we show for 37 cells in the anesthetized mouse in visual cortex (V1) layer 5. We achieved 9% yield, with 5.3 min per attempt over hundreds of trials. The highly variable and low-yield nature of in vivo patch-clamp recordings will benefit from such a standardized, automated, quantitative approach, allowing development of optimal algorithms and enabling scaling required for large-scale studies and integration with complementary techniques. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In vivo patch-clamp is the gold standard for intracellular recordings, but it is a very manual and highly skilled technique. The robot in this work demonstrates the most automated in vivo patch-clamp experiment to date, by enabling production of multiple, serial intracellular recordings without human intervention. The robot automates pipette filling, wire threading, pipette positioning, neuron hunting, break-in, delivering sensory stimulus, and recording quality control, enabling in vivo cell-type characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Holst
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William Stoy
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bo Yang
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ilya Kolb
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Lu Li
- Allen Institute for Brain Science , Seattle, Washington
| | - Ulf Knoblich
- Allen Institute for Brain Science , Seattle, Washington
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science , Seattle, Washington
| | - Bilal Haider
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Edward S Boyden
- Media Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts.,McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Craig R Forest
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
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12
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Hunt DL, Lai C, Smith RD, Lee AK, Harris TD, Barbic M. Multimodal in vivo brain electrophysiology with integrated glass microelectrodes. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:741-753. [PMID: 30936430 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0373-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Electrophysiology is the most used approach for the collection of functional data in basic and translational neuroscience, but it is typically limited to either intracellular or extracellular recordings. The integration of multiple physiological modalities for the routine acquisition of multimodal data with microelectrodes could be useful for biomedical applications, yet this has been challenging owing to incompatibilities of fabrication methods. Here, we present a suite of glass pipettes with integrated microelectrodes for the simultaneous acquisition of multimodal intracellular and extracellular information in vivo, electrochemistry assessments, and optogenetic perturbations of neural activity. We used the integrated devices to acquire multimodal signals from the CA1 region of the hippocampus in mice and rats, and show that these data can serve as ground-truth validation for the performance of spike-sorting algorithms. The microdevices are applicable for basic and translational neurobiology, and for the development of next-generation brain-machine interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Hunt
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| | - Chongxi Lai
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Richard D Smith
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Albert K Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Timothy D Harris
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Mladen Barbic
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA.
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13
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Jayant K, Wenzel M, Bando Y, Hamm JP, Mandriota N, Rabinowitz JH, Plante IJL, Owen JS, Sahin O, Shepard KL, Yuste R. Flexible Nanopipettes for Minimally Invasive Intracellular Electrophysiology In Vivo. Cell Rep 2019; 26:266-278.e5. [PMID: 30605681 PMCID: PMC7263204 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular recordings in vivo remains the best technique to link single-neuron electrical properties to network function. Yet existing methods are limited in accuracy, throughput, and duration, primarily via washout, membrane damage, and movement-induced failure. Here, we introduce flexible quartz nanopipettes (inner diameters of 10-25 nm and spring constant of ∼0.08 N/m) as nanoscale analogs of traditional glass microelectrodes. Nanopipettes enable stable intracellular recordings (seal resistances of 500 to ∼800 MΩ, 5 to ∼10 cells/nanopipette, and duration of ∼1 hr) in anaesthetized and awake head-restrained mice, exhibit minimal diffusional flux, and facilitate precise recording and stimulation. When combined with quantum-dot labels and microprisms, nanopipettes enable two-photon targeted electrophysiology from both somata and dendrites, and even paired recordings from neighboring neurons, while permitting simultaneous population imaging across cortical layers. We demonstrate the versatility of this method by recording from parvalbumin-positive (Pv) interneurons while imaging seizure propagation, and we find that Pv depolarization block coincides with epileptic spread. Flexible nanopipettes present a simple method to procure stable intracellular recordings in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Jayant
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Michael Wenzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yuki Bando
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jordan P Hamm
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicola Mandriota
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jake H Rabinowitz
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Ilan Jen-La Plante
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jonathan S Owen
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Kenneth L Shepard
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rafael Yuste
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; NeuroTechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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14
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Hong G, Viveros RD, Zwang TJ, Yang X, Lieber CM. Tissue-like Neural Probes for Understanding and Modulating the Brain. Biochemistry 2018; 57:3995-4004. [PMID: 29529359 PMCID: PMC6039269 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Electrophysiology tools have contributed substantially to understanding brain function, yet the capabilities of conventional electrophysiology probes have remained limited in key ways because of large structural and mechanical mismatches with respect to neural tissue. In this Perspective, we discuss how the general goal of probe design in biochemistry, that the probe or label have a minimal impact on the properties and function of the system being studied, can be realized by minimizing structural, mechanical, and topological differences between neural probes and brain tissue, thus leading to a new paradigm of tissue-like mesh electronics. The unique properties and capabilities of the tissue-like mesh electronics as well as future opportunities are summarized. First, we discuss the design of an ultraflexible and open mesh structure of electronics that is tissue-like and can be delivered in the brain via minimally invasive syringe injection like molecular and macromolecular pharmaceuticals. Second, we describe the unprecedented tissue healing without chronic immune response that leads to seamless three-dimensional integration with a natural distribution of neurons and other key cells through these tissue-like probes. These unique characteristics lead to unmatched stable long-term, multiplexed mapping and modulation of neural circuits at the single-neuron level on a year time scale. Last, we offer insights on several exciting future directions for the tissue-like electronics paradigm that capitalize on their unique properties to explore biochemical interactions and signaling in a "natural" brain environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosong Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Robert D. Viveros
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Theodore J. Zwang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Charles M. Lieber
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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15
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Lee AK, Brecht M. Elucidating Neuronal Mechanisms Using Intracellular Recordings during Behavior. Trends Neurosci 2018; 41:385-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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16
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Abstract
Intracellular recording is an essential technique for investigating cellular mechanisms underlying complex brain functions. Despite the high sensitivity of the technique to mechanical disturbances, intracellular recording has been applied to awake, behaving, and even freely moving, animals. Here we summarize recent advances in these methods and their application to the measurement and manipulation of membrane potential dynamics for understanding neuronal computations in behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doyun Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea;
| | - Albert K Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
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17
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Lee D, Lee AK. Efficient Method for Whole-Cell Recording in Freely Moving Rodents Using Ultraviolet-Cured Collar-Based Pipette Stabilization. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2017; 2017:pdb.prot095810. [PMID: 28373497 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot095810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Whole-cell recording is a key technique for investigating synaptic and cellular mechanisms underlying various brain functions. However, because of its high sensitivity to mechanical disturbances, applying the whole-cell recording method to freely moving animals has been challenging. Here, we describe a technique for obtaining such recordings in freely moving, drug-free animals with a high success rate. This technique involves three major steps: obtaining a whole-cell recording from awake head-fixed animals, reliable and efficient stabilization of the pipette with respect to the animal's head using an ultraviolet (UV)-transparent collar and UV-cured adhesive, and rapid release of the animal from head fixation without loss of the recording. This technique has been successfully applied to obtain intracellular recordings from the hippocampus of freely moving rats and mice exploring a spatial environment, and should be generally applicable to other brain areas in animals engaged in a variety of natural behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doyun Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea;
| | - Albert K Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
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18
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Thurley K, Ayaz A. Virtual reality systems for rodents. Curr Zool 2017; 63:109-119. [PMID: 29491968 PMCID: PMC5804145 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade virtual reality (VR) setups for rodents have been developed and utilized to investigate the neural foundations of behavior. Such VR systems became very popular since they allow the use of state-of-the-art techniques to measure neural activity in behaving rodents that cannot be easily used with classical behavior setups. Here, we provide an overview of rodent VR technologies and review recent results from related research. We discuss commonalities and differences as well as merits and issues of different approaches. A special focus is given to experimental (behavioral) paradigms in use. Finally we comment on possible use cases that may further exploit the potential of VR in rodent research and hence inspire future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Thurley
- Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Straße 2, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, GermanyBernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Munich, Germany,Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aslı Ayaz
- Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Straße 2, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, GermanyBernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Munich, Germany,Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Gao L, Kostlan K, Wang Y, Wang X. Distinct Subthreshold Mechanisms Underlying Rate-Coding Principles in Primate Auditory Cortex. Neuron 2016; 91:905-919. [PMID: 27478016 PMCID: PMC5292152 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A key computational principle for encoding time-varying signals in auditory and somatosensory cortices of monkeys is the opponent model of rate coding by two distinct populations of neurons. However, the subthreshold mechanisms that give rise to this computation have not been revealed. Because the rate-coding neurons are only observed in awake conditions, it is especially challenging to probe their underlying cellular mechanisms. Using a novel intracellular recording technique that we developed in awake marmosets, we found that the two types of rate-coding neurons in auditory cortex exhibited distinct subthreshold responses. While the positive-monotonic neurons (monotonically increasing firing rate with increasing stimulus repetition frequency) displayed sustained depolarization at high repetition frequency, the negative-monotonic neurons (opposite trend) instead exhibited hyperpolarization at high repetition frequency but sustained depolarization at low repetition frequency. The combination of excitatory and inhibitory subthreshold events allows the cortex to represent time-varying signals through these two opponent neuronal populations.
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20
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White JJ, Lin T, Brown AM, Arancillo M, Lackey EP, Stay TL, Sillitoe RV. An optimized surgical approach for obtaining stable extracellular single-unit recordings from the cerebellum of head-fixed behaving mice. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 262:21-31. [PMID: 26777474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrophysiological recording approaches are essential for understanding brain function. Among these approaches are various methods of performing single-unit recordings. However, a major hurdle to overcome when recording single units in vivo is stability. Poor stability results in a low signal-to-noise ratio, which makes it challenging to isolate neuronal signals. Proper isolation is needed for differentiating a signal from neighboring cells or the noise inherent to electrophysiology. Insufficient isolation makes it impossible to analyze full action potential waveforms. A common source of instability is an inadequate surgery. Problems during surgery cause blood loss, tissue damage and poor healing of the surrounding tissue, limited access to the target brain region, and, importantly, unreliable fixation points for holding the mouse's head. NEW METHOD We describe an optimized surgical procedure that ensures limited tissue damage and delineate a method for implanting head plates to hold the animal firmly in place. RESULTS Using the cerebellum as a model, we implement an extracellular recording technique to acquire single units from Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclear neurons in behaving mice. We validate the stability of our method by holding single units after injecting the powerful tremorgenic drug harmaline. We performed multiple structural analyses after recording. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Our approach is ideal for studying neuronal function in active mice and valuable for recording single-neuron activity when considerable motion is unavoidable. CONCLUSIONS The surgical principles we present for accessing the cerebellum can be easily adapted to examine the function of neurons in other brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J White
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marife Arancillo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Trace L Stay
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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21
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Abstract
Sensory feedback is crucial for learning and performing many behaviors, but its role in the execution of complex motor sequences is poorly understood. To address this, we consider the forebrain nucleus HVC in the songbird, which contains the premotor circuitry for song production and receives multiple convergent sensory inputs. During singing, projection neurons within HVC exhibit precisely timed synaptic events that may represent the ongoing motor program or song-related sensory feedback. To distinguish between these possibilities, we recorded the membrane potential from identified HVC projection neurons in singing zebra finches. External auditory perturbations during song production did not affect synaptic inputs in these neurons. Furthermore, the systematic removal of three sensory feedback streams (auditory, proprioceptive, and vagal) did not alter the frequency or temporal precision of synaptic activity observed. These findings support a motor origin for song-related synaptic events and suggest an updated circuit model for generating behavioral sequences.
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22
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Muñoz W, Tremblay R, Rudy B. Channelrhodopsin-assisted patching: in vivo recording of genetically and morphologically identified neurons throughout the brain. Cell Rep 2014; 9:2304-16. [PMID: 25533350 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain networks contain a large diversity of functionally distinct neuronal elements, each with unique properties, enabling computational capacities and supporting brain functions. Understanding their functional implications for behavior requires the precise identification of the cell types of a network and in vivo monitoring of their activity profiles. Here, we developed a channelrhodopsin-assisted patching method allowing the efficient in vivo targeted recording of neurons identified by their molecular, electrophysiological, and morphological features. The method has a high yield, does not require visual guidance, and thus can be applied at any depth in the brain. This approach overcomes limitations of present technologies. We validate this strategy with in vivo recordings of identified subtypes of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in deep cortical layers, subcortical cholinergic neurons, and neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus in anesthetized and awake mice. We propose this method as an important complement to existing technologies to relate specific cell-type activity to brain circuitry, function, and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Muñoz
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robin Tremblay
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Bernardo Rudy
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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23
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Anesthetized- and awake-patched whole-cell recordings in freely moving rats using UV-cured collar-based electrode stabilization. Nat Protoc 2014; 9:2784-95. [PMID: 25375992 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2014.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular recording allows precise measurement and manipulation of individual neurons, but it requires stable mechanical contact between the electrode and the cell membrane, and thus it has remained challenging to perform in behaving animals. Whole-cell recordings in freely moving animals can be obtained by rigidly fixing ('anchoring') the pipette electrode to the head; however, previous anchoring procedures were slow and often caused substantial pipette movement, resulting in loss of the recording or of recording quality. We describe a UV-transparent collar and UV-cured adhesive technique that rapidly (within 15 s) anchors pipettes in place with virtually no movement, thus substantially improving the reliability, yield and quality of freely moving whole-cell recordings. Recordings are first obtained from anesthetized or awake head-fixed rats. UV light cures the thin adhesive layers linking pipette to collar to head. Then, the animals are rapidly and smoothly released for recording during unrestrained behavior. The anesthetized-patched version can be completed in ∼4-7 h (excluding histology) and the awake-patched version requires ∼1-4 h per day for ∼2 weeks. These advances should greatly facilitate studies of neuronal integration and plasticity in identified cells during natural behaviors.
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24
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Hangya B, Pi HJ, Kvitsiani D, Ranade SP, Kepecs A. From circuit motifs to computations: mapping the behavioral repertoire of cortical interneurons. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 26:117-24. [PMID: 24508565 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The exquisite architecture of cortex incorporates a myriad of inhibitory interneuron types. Until recently, the dearth of techniques for cell type identification in awake animals has made it difficult to link interneuron activity with circuit function, computation and behavior. This situation has changed dramatically in recent years with the advent of novel tools for targeting genetically distinct interneuron types so their activity can be observed and manipulated. The association of different interneuron subtypes with specific circuit functions, such as gain modulation or disinhibition, is starting to reveal canonical circuit motifs conserved across neocortical regions. Moreover, it appears that some interneuron types are recruited at specific behavioral events and likely control the flow of information among and within brain areas at behavioral time scales. Based on these results we propose that interneuron function goes beyond network coordination and interneurons should be viewed as integral elements of cortical computations serving behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Hangya
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA; Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43. Szigony Street, Budapest, H-1083, Hungary
| | - Hyun-Jae Pi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Duda Kvitsiani
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Sachin P Ranade
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Adam Kepecs
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.
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25
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Abstract
The patch-clamp technique and the whole-cell measurements derived from it have greatly advanced our understanding of the coding properties of individual neurons by allowing for a detailed analysis of their excitatory/inhibitory synaptic inputs, intrinsic electrical properties, and morphology. Because such measurements require a high level of mechanical stability they have for a long time been limited to in vitro and anesthetized preparations. Recently, however, a considerable amount of effort has been devoted to extending these techniques to awake restrained/head-fixed preparations allowing for the study of the input-output functions of neurons during behavior. In this chapter we describe a technique extending patch-clamp recordings to awake animals free to explore their environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert K Lee
- Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147, USA,
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26
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Combining pharmacology and whole-cell patch recording from CNS neurons, in vivo. J Neurosci Methods 2012; 213:99-104. [PMID: 23261772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Whole-cell patch neurophysiology and pharmacological manipulations have provided unprecedented insight into the functions of central neurons, but their combined use has been largely restricted to in vitro preparations. We describe a method for performing whole-cell patch recording and focal application of pharmacological agents in vivo. A key feature of this technique involves iontophoresis of glutamate to establish proximity of drug and recording pipettes. We show data from iontophoresis of glutamate during extracellular and whole-cell recordings made in vivo from auditory neurons in the midbrain of the leopard frog, Rana pipiens, and the effects of blocking GABA(A) receptors while making a whole-cell recording. This methodology should accelerate our understanding of the roles of particular neurotransmitter systems in normal and pathological conditions, and facilitate investigation of the in vivo effects of drugs and the mechanisms underlying computations.
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