In Vivo Recording of Intracellular Signals from a Single Neuron
Transcription
Begin with a glass micropipette and fill it with an ionic solution.
Attach the prepared micropipette to a holder with a connector wire. The holder is secured in a micromanipulator.
The setup is connected to an intracellular amplifier, which converts ionic signals within the neuron into readable electrical outputs.
Place a reference electrode on the neck muscles of an anesthetized rat with its skull exposed.
Insert the micropipette into the target brain region. This results in a voltage change. Rectify this change using the amplifier.
Remove any moisture at the site and seal the opening with a sealing agent to minimize brain movements.
Gradually lower the micropipette until a significant increase in resistance is observed, indicating contact of the micropipette with the membrane of a neuron.
Use a transient electrical pulse to disrupt the membrane, creating a temporary opening for micropipette penetration.
Record the electrical signals from within the neuron.
