Monitoring Electrical Signals from the Afferent Neurons in an Immobilized Zebrafish Larva

Start with an immobilized, paralyzed zebrafish larva in a recording chamber filled with an extracellular solution in an electrophysiology setup.

Fill an afferent micropipette with the extracellular solution containing ions that provide electrical conductivity for recording neuronal activity.

Assemble it into a micromanipulator containing a recording electrode connected to an amplifier for signal recording.

Apply positive air pressure to prevent the pipette from clogging.

Move the pipette tip along the lateral line nerve and position it adjacent to the afferent ganglion that contains a cluster of afferent neuronal cell bodies.

These neurons' cellular processes are connected to the hair cells located along the lateral line, which sense water movements.

Then apply gentle negative pressure to form a loose seal between the micropipette and the afferent ganglion.

Record the electrical signals from the afferent neurons, which receive the sensory input from the hair cells in the immobilized larva.