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Step-by-step instructions for retina recordings with perforated multi electrode arrays
Katja Reinhard1, Alexandra Tikidji-Hamburyan1, Hartwig Seitter1
1Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Plos One
|August 29, 2014
Summary
Perforated multi-electrode arrays (pMEAs) improve retinal recordings by enhancing signal quality and tissue viability. This study details pMEA methods for studying retinal ganglion cell activity and electroretinograms in various species.
Area of Science:
- Electrophysiology
- Neuroscience
- Retina Research
Background:
- Multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) are crucial for high-throughput retina research, enabling parallel recordings of retinal ganglion cell responses.
- Conventional MEAs face challenges including poor signal-to-noise ratio, inadequate tissue oxygenation, and tissue displacement.
- Perforated multi-electrode arrays (pMEAs) have shown promise in overcoming these limitations in brain slice preparations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide detailed instructions for using perforated multi-electrode arrays (pMEAs) for retinal recordings.
- To demonstrate the application of pMEAs for studying light-evoked activity in retinas of various species.
- To offer troubleshooting guidance for common issues encountered during retinal MEA recordings.
Main Methods:
- Utilized perforated multi-electrode arrays (pMEAs) for in vitro recordings from retinas of mouse, pig, and human.
- Performed spike recordings from retinal ganglion cells.
- Recorded in vitro electroretinograms (ERGs).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful application of pMEAs for high-quality retinal recordings, including spike activity and ERGs.
- Showcased improved signal-to-noise ratio and tissue viability compared to conventional MEAs.
- Provided examples of successful recordings and common troubleshooting scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Perforated multi-electrode arrays (pMEAs) offer a significant advancement for in vitro retina research, addressing limitations of conventional MEAs.
- pMEAs facilitate detailed investigation of retinal function, including retinal ganglion cell activity and overall retinal responses.
- This methodology and troubleshooting guide can aid researchers in establishing robust retinal electrophysiology experiments.
