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Patch clamp recording from the intact dorsal root ganglion
J M Zhang1, D F Donnelly, R H LaMotte
1Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. jmzhang@pantheon.yale.edu
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|April 8, 1998
Summary
This study details a new patch-clamp method for recording from intact dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells in rats. The technique allows for cell classification and measurement of electrical properties, proving its feasibility for in vitro research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Electrophysiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells are crucial for transmitting sensory information.
- Accurate electrophysiological recordings are vital for understanding neuronal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel method for patch-clamp recording from intact rat DRG cells.
- To classify DRG cell types based on electrophysiological properties.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of in vitro recordings from identified DRG neurons.
Main Methods:
- Excised L4 and L5 DRGs with sciatic nerve from young rats.
- Removed ganglion sheath and dissolved connective tissue with collagenase.
- Exposed individual cell somata for patch-clamp recording.
- Classified cells (Abeta, Adelta, C) by size and action potential shape.
- Measured axonal conduction velocity (CV) and action potential threshold.
- Recorded sodium currents (TTX-R and TTX-S) under voltage clamp.
Main Results:
- Successfully performed patch-clamp recordings from intact DRG cells.
- Established distinct CV ranges for C (0.2-0.8 m/s), Adelta (0.8-2.4 m/s), and Abeta (3.2-5.0 m/s) cells.
- Identified significant differences in action potential threshold potentials among cell types.
- Demonstrated both TTX-resistant and TTX-sensitive sodium currents in C cells.
Conclusions:
- The described method enables successful patch-clamp recordings from identified, intact DRG cells in vitro.
- This technique facilitates detailed electrophysiological characterization of different DRG neuron subtypes.
- The findings support the utility of this method for future neuroscience research.