Semichronic, Collocated Deep Brain Stimulation and Multisite Recording in Rats

Abstract

Multisite microelectrode recording represents a suitable procedure to study microphysiology and network interactions in the central nervous system on a short time scale. This enables a deeper understanding of recent neurochemical studies to investigate changes in the neurotransmitter GABA caused by deep brain stimulation at the same position. We describe in the following a semichronic procedure to implant a miniature system bringing both stimulation and monitoring probes in close proximity in the caudate putamen of freely behaving rats. New multisite microelectrodes to replace existing microdialysis probes are built from spun wires, characterized and described. The design of a closed loop recording and stimulating system is discussed.