Applying Noise Currents to Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neurons Using Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique
Transcript
Take a mouse brainstem slice containing the medial vestibular nucleus, or MVN.
Secure the slice in a recording chamber filled with artificial cerebrospinal fluid to maintain neuronal viability.
Visualize the slice under a microscope to locate MVN neurons.
Apply positive pressure to advance a micropipette filled with an intracellular environment-mimicking solution through the tissue.
As the pipette contacts a neuron, the neuronal membrane will dimple.
Apply negative pressure to aspirate a small membrane portion, creating a tight seal.
Next, apply negative pressure pulses to rupture the membrane, creating a continuous connection between the neuron and the pipette.
Apply random noise amplitudes to the neuron and identify a subthreshold amplitude beyond which the noise induces neuronal firing.
Finally, apply a range of electrical stimuli to the neuron combined with the subthreshold random noise amplitude.
Measure neuronal gain — the neuron's ability to modulate its firing response to the stimuli in the presence of noise.
