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Coupling multielectrode array recordings with silver labeling of recording sites to study cervical spinal network
K A Streeter1, M D Sunshine1, S R Patel1
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|December 16, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a novel silver-labeling technique to map midcervical spinal cord connections. This method reveals significant synaptic connectivity among interneurons, aiding future network studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Cord Research
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Midcervical spinal interneurons form a complex network potentially modulating phrenic motor output.
- Understanding network-level connectivity is crucial for deciphering motor control and respiratory functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for histological verification of multielectrode array (MEA) recording sites in the midcervical spinal cord.
- To investigate the temporal linkage and synaptic connectivity of midcervical interneurons.
Main Methods:
- A silver-deposition technique was employed using 100-nA currents delivered through MEA electrodes in anesthetized rats (C3-C5 segments).
- Histological processing "developed" the deposited silver, enabling precise localization of recording sites (50-μm resolution).
- Cross-correlation analysis was used to assess temporal relationships between neuronal discharge patterns.
Main Results:
- The silver-labeling method accurately identified recording sites between spinal laminae IV and X.
- Cross-correlation histograms showed limited synchronous firing (5.3% < 0.4 ms) but significant lagged correlations (21.4% ≥ 0.6 ms) between neuronal pairs.
- These findings suggest a high degree of mono- and polysynaptic connectivity.
Conclusions:
- A cost-effective silver-labeling method reliably maps MEA recording sites and interneuron populations in the midcervical spinal cord.
- The study reveals a previously unappreciated level of synaptic connectivity among midcervical interneurons.
- This technique provides a valuable tool for exploring spinal network connectivity.
