Patch-clamp and multi-electrode array electrophysiological analysis in acute mouse brain slices

Abstract

Summary Patch-clamp and multi-electrode array electrophysiology techniques are used to measure dynamic functional properties of neurons. Whole-cell and cell-attached patch-clamp recordings in brain slices can be performed in voltage-clamp and current-clamp configuration to reveal cell-type-specific synaptic and cellular parameters governing neurotransmission. Multi-electrode array electrophysiology can provide spike activity recordings from multiple neurons, enabling larger sample sizes, and long-term recordings. We provide our guide to preparing acute rodent brain slices with example experiments and analyses intended for novice and expert electrophysiologists. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Manz et al. (2020b) .

Studying Synaptic Connectivity and Strength with Optogenetics and Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology

“…Tens of recorded sweeps with such time-locked light stimulation, typically with minimally 10 s between the sweeps, will then be averaged and synaptic response features such as the average amplitude are analyzed [ 1 , 6 , 7 ]. To detect the presence of various types of synaptic receptor type currents, there are important general patch-clamp considerations to make with regard to the internal pipette medium used (which will quickly dialyze the internal environment of the patched cell [ 8 ]; Box 1 ) and the potential at which the cell is clamped in case of whole cell voltage-clamp approaches ( Box 2 ). We discuss these considerations for experiments to assess different types of excitatory or inhibitory ionotropic synaptic connections.…”

Electrophysiological and anatomical characterization of synaptic remodeling in the mouse whisker thalamus

“…The internal solution is kept on ice during recording. A recent detailed protocol for patch-clamp techniques would help your experiments ( Manz et al., 2021 ). CRITICAL: Neurons in the mouse whisker thalamus receive glutamatergic excitatory inputs from lemniscal fibers, which originate from the brainstem, and/or from corticothalamic axons.…”

“…The internal solution is kept on ice during recording. A recent detailed protocol for patch-clamp techniques would help your experiments ( Manz et al., 2021 ).…”

Hunger dampens a nucleus accumbens circuit to drive persistent food seeking

“…Electrophysiology experiments were performed on a Scientifica Slicescope Pro System and have been described in detail previously. 85 The NAc shell was identified using established anatomical markers including the anterior/posterior position of the anterior commissure and the absence of the dorsal striatum. NAc shell recordings took place in the rostral, medial portion of the shell.…”