Electrophysiology - Cell

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We record the electrical activity of neuronal networks growing on top of a grid of electrodes (multi electrode arrays (MEAs)).

Figure 1: Primary neurons growing on an MEA (1.5 x 1.5 mm)	Figure 2: A fluorescently-labelled neurone growing next to an electrode on an MEA

The electrodes detect action potentials passing along the neuronal processes as neurons communicate with one another. In this way, we can monitor the development of network activity in the growing culture over time. We can also study the response of the neural net to a variety of manipulations, such as the application of drugs or electrical stimuli.

Figure 3: An example of pharmacological manipulation of the firing rate in a neuronal network growing on an MEA. Spike rate is shown on the Z-axis, while the X and Y axes represent the activity recorded at individual electrodes (channels, ch) and time (seconds).

By recording from 60 sites simultaneously, MEAs allow us to measure the level of activity in a large neuronal network. They also enable us to detect changes in the pattern of the activity, and the degree of correlation between neurons in the multi cellular assembly. In this way we believe they provide us with an excellent model with which to study molecular mechanisms forming the basis of learning and memory (cognition).

Figure 4: Raster plots drawn from the data in Figure 3, showing the pattern of firing at 11 electrodes on three different time

In addition to preparing cultures of neurons from mouse brains, we generate neurons from embryonic stem cells. This will allow us to rapidly observe the effect of a large number of genetic manipulations on neuronal function.

A further advantage of the MEA methodology is the ease with which the equipment can be multiplexed to provide high throughput phenotypic analysis of mouse mutants.

Cell electrophysiology data are a key component of our Database.