Optopatcher--an electrode holder for simultaneous intracellular patch-clamp recording and optical manipulation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Optogenetics

Background:

• Optogenetics is a key neuroscience technique, but simultaneous in vivo recording and light delivery remain challenging.
• Current methods often require separate, complex positioning systems for light stimulation and electrophysiological recording.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated device for simultaneous whole-cell patch-clamp recording and optogenetic stimulation in vivo.
• To overcome limitations of existing techniques by simplifying experimental setups and improving illumination accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel glass pipette holder, the "optopatcher", with an integrated port for optical fiber insertion.
• Utilizing the optopatcher for in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in different cortical layers of Thy1-channelrhodopsin-2 transgenic mice.
• Recording local field potentials (LFPs) and intracellular responses to light stimulation.

Main Results:

• The optopatcher enables simultaneous intracellular recording and precise light delivery from a single pipette.
• The device allows for accurate, stable, and reproducible illumination without requiring an additional manipulator.
• Successful in vivo recordings of neuronal membrane potentials and responses to optogenetic stimulation were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The optopatcher is an effective and user-friendly tool for combined optogenetic stimulation and electrophysiological recording in vivo.
• This integrated approach simplifies experimental procedures and enhances the precision of optogenetic experiments in neuroscience research.