Huan Y, Tibbetts BN, Richie JM, Chestek CA, Chiel HJ. Intracellular neural control of an active feeding structure in Aplysia using a carbon fiber electrode array.
J Neurosci Methods 2024;
404:110077. [PMID:
38336092 PMCID:
PMC11136531 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110077]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To study neural control of behavior, intracellular recording and stimulation of many neurons in freely moving animals would be ideal. However, current technologies limit the number of neurons that can be monitored and manipulated. A new technology has become available for intracellular recording and stimulation which we demonstrate in the tractable nervous system of Aplysia.
NEW METHOD
Carbon fiber electrode arrays (whose tips are coated with platinum-iridium) were used with an in vitro feeding preparation to intracellularly record from and to control the activity of multiple neurons during feeding movements.
RESULTS
In an in vitro feeding preparation, the carbon fiber electrode arrays recorded action potentials and subthreshold synaptic potentials during feeding movements. Depolarizing or hyperpolarizing currents activated or inhibited identified neurons (respectively), manipulating the movements of the feeding apparatus.
COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S)
Standard glass microelectrodes that are commonly used for intracellular recording are stiff, liable to break in response to movement, and require many micromanipulators to be precisely positioned. In contrast, carbon fiber arrays are less sensitive to movement, but are capable of multiple channels of intracellular recording and stimulation.
CONCLUSIONS
Carbon fiber arrays are a novel technology for intracellular recording that can be used in moving preparations. They can record both action potentials and synaptic activity in multiple neurons and can be used to stimulate multiple neurons in complex patterns.
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