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Yin A, An J, Lehew G, Lebedev MA, Nicolelis MAL. An automatic experimental apparatus to study arm reaching in New World monkeys. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 264:57-64. [PMID: 26928257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.02.017] [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: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several species of the New World monkeys have been used as experimental models in biomedical and neurophysiological research. However, a method for controlled arm reaching tasks has not been developed for these species. NEW METHOD We have developed a fully automated, pneumatically driven, portable, and reconfigurable experimental apparatus for arm-reaching tasks suitable for these small primates. RESULTS We have utilized the apparatus to train two owl monkeys in a visually-cued arm-reaching task. Analysis of neural recordings demonstrates directional tuning of the M1 neurons. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Our apparatus allows automated control, freeing the experimenter from manual experiments. CONCLUSION The presented apparatus provides a valuable tool for conducting neurophysiological research on New World monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Yin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jehi An
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gary Lehew
- Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mikhail A Lebedev
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Miguel A L Nicolelis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Center for Neuroengineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience of Natal, Natal, Brazil; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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2
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An implantable triple-function device for local drug delivery, cerebrospinal fluid removal and EEG recording in the cranial subdural/subarachnoid space of primates. J Neurosci Methods 2012; 203:275-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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3
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Goetz L, Piallat B, Thibaudier Y, Montigon O, David O, Chabardès S. A non-human primate model of bipedal locomotion under restrained condition allowing gait studies and single unit brain recordings. J Neurosci Methods 2011; 204:306-17. [PMID: 22155386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For decades, several animal models of locomotion have allowed a better understanding of the basic physiological mechanisms of gait. However, unlike most of the mammals, the Order Primates is characterized by fundamental changes in locomotor behaviour. In particular, some primates use a specific pattern of locomotion and are able to naturally walk bipedally due possibly to a specific supra-spinal control of locomotion. These features must be taken into account when one considers to study the intrinsic properties of human gait. Thus, an experimental model of bipedal locomotion allowing precise and reproducible analysis of gait in non-human primate is still lacking. This study describes a non-human primate model of bipedal locomotion under restrained condition. We undertook a kinematic and biomechanic study in three Macaca fascicularis trained to walk bipedally on a treadmill. One of the primate was evaluated in complete head fixation. Gait visual analysis and electromyographic recordings provided pertinent description of the gait pattern. Step frequencies, step lengths, cycle and stance phase durations were correlated with Froude number (dimensionless velocity), whereas swing phase durations remained non-correlated. Gait patterns observed in our model were similar to those obtained in freely bipedal Macaca fuscata and to a lesser extend to Humans. Gait pattern was not modified by head fixation thereby allowing us to perform precise and repetitive micro electrode recordings of deep cerebral structures. Thus, the present model could provide a pertinent pre-clinical tool to study gait parameters and their neuronal control but also could be helpful to validate new therapeutics interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Goetz
- Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, Chemin Fortuné Ferrini, BP 170, 38042 Grenoble, France
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Gilja V, Chestek CA, Nuyujukian P, Foster J, Shenoy KV. Autonomous head-mounted electrophysiology systems for freely behaving primates. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2010; 20:676-86. [PMID: 20655733 PMCID: PMC3401169 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2010.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent technological advances have led to new light-weight battery-operated systems for electrophysiology. Such systems are head mounted, run for days without experimenter intervention, and can record and stimulate from single or multiple electrodes implanted in a freely behaving primate. Here we discuss existing systems, studies that use them, and how they can augment traditional, physically restrained, 'in-rig' electrophysiology. With existing technical capabilities, these systems can acquire multiple signal classes, such as spikes, local field potential, and electromyography signals, and can stimulate based on real-time processing of recorded signals. Moving forward, this class of technologies, along with advances in neural signal processing and behavioral monitoring, have the potential to dramatically expand the scope and scale of electrophysiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Gilja
- Dept. of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Yang S, Cho J, Lee S, Park K, Kim J, Huh Y, Yoon ES, Shin HS. Feedback controlled piezo-motor microdrive for accurate electrode positioning in chronic single unit recording in behaving mice. J Neurosci Methods 2010; 195:117-27. [PMID: 20868709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2010] [Revised: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The microdrive is one of the most essential tools for extracellular, single-unit recordings in freely behaving animals to detect and isolate the single-unit activities from brain regions of interest. Due to the increasing number of neuroscience research projects using genetically engineered mice, the demand for effective recording devices in freely moving mice is also increasing. Although manually and automatically operated microdrive devices are available, they are limited in terms of size, weight, accuracy, manipulability, and convenience for single-unit recording in mice. The present study proposed a novel microdrive that employs a small, lightweight piezo-motor and a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor with a closed-loop position feedback control system. The total weight of the device is 1.82 g, which is perfectly suitable for application to mice. Most importantly, the proposed microdrive is capable of monitoring and adjusting electrode movement on-line by integrating a closed-loop feedback control system, which enhances the accuracy of micro-advancement of the electrode by utilizing position feedback. The performance of this newly developed microdrive was extensively evaluated for both mechanical and physiological concerns at both free-loading and various-loading conditions, including agarose gel matrix and then the hippocampus and thalamus of mice. In summary, this proposed microdrive can enhance the quality of recording single unit activities in freely moving mice in terms of the size and weight of the device, the convenience and accuracy of manipulation, and, most of all, in isolating single neurons and recording stability by providing accurate positioning of an electrode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwook Yang
- Nano-Bio Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 39-1, Hawolgok-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
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Chestek CA, Gilja V, Nuyujukian P, Kier RJ, Solzbacher F, Ryu SI, Harrison RR, Shenoy KV. HermesC: low-power wireless neural recording system for freely moving primates. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2009; 17:330-8. [PMID: 19497829 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2009.2023293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neural prosthetic systems have the potential to restore lost functionality to amputees or patients suffering from neurological injury or disease. Current systems have primarily been designed for immobile patients, such as tetraplegics functioning in a rather static, carefully tailored environment. However, an active patient such as amputee in a normal dynamic, everyday environment may be quite different in terms of the neural control of movement. In order to study motor control in a more unconstrained natural setting, we seek to develop an animal model of freely moving humans. Therefore, we have developed and tested HermesC-INI3, a system for recording and wirelessly transmitting neural data from electrode arrays implanted in rhesus macaques who are freely moving. This system is based on the integrated neural interface (INI3) microchip which amplifies, digitizes, and transmits neural data across a approximately 900 MHz wireless channel. The wireless transmission has a range of approximately 4 m in free space. All together this device consumes 15.8 mA and 63.2 mW. On a single 2 A-hr battery pack, this device runs contiguously for approximately six days. The smaller size and power consumption of the custom IC allows for a smaller package (51 x 38 x 38 mm (3)) than previous primate systems. The HermesC-INI3 system was used to record and telemeter one channel of broadband neural data at 15.7 kSps from a monkey performing routine daily activities in the home cage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Chestek
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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8
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Yang S, Lee S, Park K, Jeon H, Huh Y, Cho J, Shin HS, Yoon ES. Piezo motor based microdrive for neural signal recording. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2009; 2008:3364-7. [PMID: 19163430 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2008.4649927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The miniature piezo motor based microdrive which is applicable to the neural signal recording in mice is presented. The microdrive is manipulated by the micromotion of the mobile coupled to the piezo motor generating the flexural vibration within the range of 3.8 mm, with the resolution of 60nm. Advancement of electrodes in a mouse brain is monitored by an integrated MR (Magneto-Resistive) sensor. This microdrive has the length of 6.5mm, the width of 6.5 mm, the height of 12 mm and the total weight of 1.63 g only, including PCB for neural signal recording. The displacement of the microelectrode was evaluated and verified as applying the inputs with 5 to 100 pulses, 30 times to the piezo motor according to various driving voltages. The neural signals from the single thalamic neurons in an awake and freely moving mouse were recorded successfully with the presented microdrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwook Yang
- Nano-Bio Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Cheongryang, Seoul, Korea
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9
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Sherk H, Wilkinson EJ. A novel system for recording from single neurons in unrestrained animals. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 173:201-7. [PMID: 18619491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2008] [Revised: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To observe neural activity in animals engaged in natural behavior, it is often desirable to minimize or eliminate restraint of the animal. We have developed a simple system for recording from single units in unrestrained cats. An implant with multiple guide tubes and a tiny microdrive is placed inside the recording chamber. An indwelling Pt-Ir microelectrode is advanced incrementally during recording sessions that occur over a period of weeks or months. Electrodes can be easily replaced. We obtain excellent recording stability, and also have been able to sample extensively from a region of cortex or brain stem in a single animal. The essential electronics have been miniaturized and sewn into a light-weight walking jacket, so that we can collect data from a cat who is not connected to any fixed equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Sherk
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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Eliades SJ, Wang X. Chronic multi-electrode neural recording in free-roaming monkeys. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 172:201-14. [PMID: 18572250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2007] [Revised: 04/25/2008] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Many behaviors of interest to neurophysiologists are difficult to study under laboratory conditions because such behaviors are often inhibited when an animal is restrained and socially isolated. Even under the best conditions, such behaviors may be sparse enough as to require long duration neural recordings or simultaneous recording of multiple neurons to gather a sufficient amount of data for analysis. We have developed a preparation for chronic, multi-electrode recordings in the auditory cortex of marmoset monkeys, small primates, as well as techniques for neurophysiological recordings when the animals are free-roaming while singly caged in the environment of the monkey colony. In this report, we describe our solutions to overcome the problems associated with chronic recordings in free-roaming animals, where three-dimensional movements present particular challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Eliades
- Laboratory of Auditory Neurophysiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Shao X, Zhang H, Zheng X. Recognition of Chewing Behavior from Electroencephalogram Recorded in the Rat's Nucleus Accumbens. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007; 2005:2107-9. [PMID: 17282644 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2005.1616875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Nucleus accumbens is used to be considered as the interface to motor nerve system. In this paper, our object is to study the relationship between the electro-activity of neurons in nucleus accumbens and the rat-behavior. We recorded neurons action potentials with multichannel microelectrodes, which were chronically implanted in a rat's nucleus accumbens, during rats-chewing behavior. Through digital signal processing, we found significant features associated with the chewing activity and we could recognize the chewing behavior easily from the electroencephalogram with these features. This study suggests that neurons action potentials in a nucleus accumbens are activated by specific animal actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhuo Shao
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Zheda Road 38, 310027 Hangzhou, China
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Sun NL, Lei YL, Kim BH, Ryou JW, Ma YY, Wilson FAW. Neurophysiological recordings in freely moving monkeys. Methods 2006; 38:202-9. [PMID: 16530628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2005.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recordings of neuronal activity in freely moving rats are common in experiments where electrical signals are transmitted using cables. Such techniques are not common in monkeys because their prehensile abilities are thought to preclude such techniques. However, analysis of brain mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and cognition require the subject to walk. We have developed techniques for recordings in freely moving monkeys in two different situations: a 5 x 5 m testing laboratory and in a 50 m2 open field environment. Neuronal signals are sent to amplifiers and data acquisition systems using cables or telemetry. These techniques provide high quality recordings of single neurons during behaviors such as foraging, walking, and the performance of memory tasks and thus provide a unique opportunity to study primate behavior in a semi-natural situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Lei Sun
- Laboratory of Primate Neuroscience, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Donglu, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
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Wilson FAW, Kim BH, Ryou JW, Ma YY. An automated food delivery system for behavioral and neurophysiological studies of learning and memory in freely moving monkeys. Behav Res Methods 2005; 37:368-72. [PMID: 16171209 DOI: 10.3758/bf03192705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe a custom-built feeder based on stepping motor technology controlled by a laboratory computer. The feeder dispenses a wide range of foods: any fruit, vegetable, or nut. The feeder allows the investigator to reward monkeys with different foods within a single experimental day. The monkey's motivation to perform tasks is high and does not rely upon food regulation. The avoidance of regulation, as well as the palatability and variety of the rewards dispensed by our device, distinguishes it from commercially available products. We also describe the use of the feeder in the context of novel behavioral and neurophysiological studies in freely moving monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser A W Wilson
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunan, China.
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Ludvig N, Tang HM, Gohil BC, Botero JM. Detecting location-specific neuronal firing rate increases in the hippocampus of freely-moving monkeys. Brain Res 2004; 1014:97-109. [PMID: 15212996 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The spatial properties of the firing of hippocampal neurons have mainly been studied in (a) freely moving rodents, (b) non-human primates seated in a moveable primate chair with head fixed, and (c) epileptic patients subjected to virtual navigation. Although these studies have all revealed the ability of hippocampal neurons to generate spatially selective discharges, the detected firing patterns have been found to be considerably different, even conflicting, in many respects. The present cellular electrophysiological study employed squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), which moved freely on the walls and floor of a large test chamber. This permitted the examination of the spatial firing of hippocampal neurons in nearly ideal conditions, similar to those used in rodents, yet in a species that belongs to the primate Suborder Anthropoidea. The major findings were that: (1) a group of slow-firing complex-spike cells increased their basal, awake firing rate more than 20-fold, often above 30 spikes/s, when the monkey was in a particular location in the chamber, (2) these location-specific discharges occurred consistently, forming 4-25 s action potential volleys, and (3) fast-firing cells displayed no such electrical activity. Thus, during free movement in three dimensions, primate hippocampal complex-spike cells do generate high-frequency, location-specific action potential volleys. Since these cells are components of the medial temporal lobe memory system, their uncovered firing pattern may well be involved in the formation of declarative memories on places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Ludvig
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 31, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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15
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Lei Y, Sun N, Wilson FAW, Wang X, Chen N, Yang J, Peng Y, Wang J, Tian S, Wang M, Miao Y, Zhu W, Qi H, Ma Y. Telemetric recordings of single neuron activity and visual scenes in monkeys walking in an open field. J Neurosci Methods 2004; 135:35-41. [PMID: 15020087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2003.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2003] [Revised: 11/26/2003] [Accepted: 11/28/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a portable recording system and methods for obtaining chronic recordings of single units and tracking rhesus monkey behavior in an open field. The integrated system consists of four major components: (1) microelectrode assembly; (2) head-stage; (3) recording station; and (4) data storage station, the first three of which are carried by the monkey and weigh 800 g. Our system provides synchronized video and electrophysiological signals, which are transmitted by a wireless system to a distance of 50 m. Its major advantages are that neuronal recordings are made in freely moving monkeys, and well-separated action potentials with amplitude five times higher than the background noise are usually recorded and readily kept for many hours. Using this system, we were able to study "place cells" in non-human primate brains. The described methods provide a new way to examine correlations between single neuron activity and primate behaviors, and can also be used to study the cellular basis of social behaviors in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Lei
- Section of Cognitive Brain Research, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, PR China.
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16
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Wilson FAW, Ma YY, Greenberg PA, Ryou JW, Kim BH. A microelectrode drive for long term recording of neurons in freely moving and chaired monkeys. J Neurosci Methods 2003; 127:49-61. [PMID: 12865148 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0270(03)00122-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An electrode drive is described for recordings of neurons in freely moving and chaired monkeys during the performance of behavioural tasks. The electrode drives are implanted for periods of up to 6 months, and can advance up to 42 electrodes using 14 independent drive mechanisms. The drive samples 288 points within a 12 mmx12 mm region, with 15 mm of electrode travel. Major advantages are that recordings are made in freely moving monkeys, and these recordings can be compared with those in chaired experiments; waveforms of single neurons are stable, enabling prolonged recordings of the same neurons across periods of days; recordings can be made throughout the brain, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus; the drive accommodates both sharp microelectrodes and fine wire assemblies such as tetrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser A W Wilson
- ARL Division of Neural Systems, Memory & Aging, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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17
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Ludvig N, Tang HM, Eichenbaum H, Gohil BC. Spatial memory performance of freely-moving squirrel monkeys. Behav Brain Res 2003; 140:175-83. [PMID: 12644290 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(02)00325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Few experiments have addressed the problem of cognitive map formation in non-human primates. Therefore, a paradigm was developed to assess spatial memory formation in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) moving freely in three dimensions. While moving on the walls and floor of a large test chamber, the animals learned to collect pieces of cereal from baited food-ports interspersed among non-baited ports. The cereal-pellets were not visible to the monkeys, so the animals needed to develop spatial memory to visit only the baited ports for food and avoid the non-baited ones. A session consisted of ten consecutive trials, and 3 successive sessions were conducted on each day for a 5-day period. For each trial, correct choices (CC; number of visited baited-ports) and incorrect choices (IC; number of visited non-baited ports) were registered, and spatial memory performance index (SMPI; ranging from 0.00 to 1.00) was calculated as follows: SMPI=(CC-IC)/CC. For each session, mean SMPI, session duration, total reaches into the non-baited ports, and total reaches into the baited ports were documented. In an 8-port task, where 4 food-ports were baited and 4 were non-baited, the mean SMPI was higher than 0 in the first session (day 1), indicating the development of short-term spatial memory. By the fifth session (day 2), this index was significantly higher than in the first session, indicating the build-up of long-term spatial memory. These changes were related to a significant decrease in the total reaches into the non-baited ports. At the same time, the duration of the sessions and the total reaches into the baited ports did not change significantly. This paradigm can be used for (1) studying cognitive map formation in primates, (2) examining the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms in integrative neurobiological experiments, and (3) screening cognition-enhancer drugs in a monkey model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Ludvig
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 31, Brooklyn 11203, USA.
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Ludvig N, Kovacs L, Kando L, Medveczky G, Tang HM, Eberle LP, Lemon CR. The use of a remote-controlled minivalve, carried by freely moving animals on their head, to achieve instant pharmacological effects in intracerebral drug-perfusion studies. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH PROTOCOLS 2002; 9:23-31. [PMID: 11852267 DOI: 10.1016/s1385-299x(01)00133-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intracerebral drug-perfusion studies in animals can be very efficiently performed with the 'reverse-dialysis' procedure. In this procedure, drugs are delivered into the brain via an intracerebrally implanted microdialysis probe. Traditionally, in reverse-dialysis studies the flow of control and drug solutions in the microdialysis site is alternated by large and heavy valves placed far from the experimental animal. In this arrangement, the drugs travel from the fluid-alternating device for a long (20--60 min) period before reaching the brain. This can obscure the onset of drug action, makes it difficult to deliver drugs into the extracellular space during short-lasting behavioral episodes, and considerably limits the number of drug solutions that can be perfused within an experimental session. This report describes the use of a miniature (15 mm long and 8 mm diameter), lightweight (1.4 g) minivalve (patent pending) for combined neuronal recording--intracerebral microdialysis studies in freely moving rats. The device is activated remotely and carried by the animals on their head. This allows the experimenter to alternate the control and drug solutions in the intracerebral recording/dialysis site rapidly and to detect the drug-induced neuronal firing pattern changes instantly, without interfering with the animal's behavior. It is demonstrated that with this novel device the onset of drug actions on hippocampal neurons can be clearly defined and that these actions occur within 2 min after minivalve activation. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the minivalve allows one to test a large number of drug solutions, successively, within the same experimental session. The described protocol offers a high-throughput method for testing the neuron-specific pharmacological effects of intracerebrally perfused drugs during various behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Ludvig
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Box 31, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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