Recording Gamma Band Oscillations From Pedunculopontine Nucleus Neurons in a Brain Slice
Transcript
Begin with an electrophysiological setup with a sagittal brain section submerged in aCSF containing synaptic blockers.
This section includes a neuron-rich PPN region.
The synaptic blockers inhibit various neuronal excitatory and inhibitory receptors and membrane sodium channels, preventing their interference.
Fill a patch pipette with a potassium-rich solution and insert it into a holder connected to a recording electrode and an amplifier.
Apply positive air pressure to the pipette to prevent clogging, then position it near a PPN neuron.
Apply a negative suction to form a tight seal with the neuron membrane and continue this suction until the membrane breaks.
Deliver the positive current pulses to open the voltage-dependent calcium channels, allowing calcium ions to enter.
This induces gamma-band oscillations, a low-level excitation that is essential for wakefulness without fully exciting the neurons.
Record these signals via the recording pipette to monitor gamma-band oscillation.
