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In Vivo Patch-Clamp Recording in Awake Head-Fixed Rodents
1Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; leedoyun@ibs.re.kr leea@janelia.hhmi.org.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
|April 5, 2017
Summary
This study presents a novel whole-cell recording technique for awake, head-fixed animals. This method allows researchers to study neuronal activity in intact networks during natural behaviors in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Whole-cell recording is crucial for assessing neuronal function, including spiking, membrane potential, and intrinsic properties.
- Existing methods often limit studies to anesthetized or in vitro preparations, hindering investigation in natural behavioral contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an efficient protocol for obtaining whole-cell recordings in awake, head-fixed rodents.
- To enable the study of neuronal integration, plasticity, and connectivity within intact neural networks during natural behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Habituation of animals (rats and mice) to head-fixed restraint.
- Application of an efficient, blind patching protocol for whole-cell recording.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of the whole-cell recording technique in awake, head-fixed rats and mice.
- The protocol allows for the investigation of neuronal properties in the context of natural behavioral states.
Conclusions:
- This technique provides a valuable tool for studying neuronal function in vivo during natural behaviors.
- It facilitates research into complex neural processes like integration, plasticity, and connectivity in behaving animals.