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Juxtasomal Loose-Patch Recordings in Awake, Head-Fixed Rats to Study the Link Between Structure and Function of Individual Neurons

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Advanced Patch-Clamp Analysis for Neuroscientists

Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 113))

Abstract

The loose-patch juxtasomal recording method can be applied to characterize action potential spiking from single units in the extracellular configuration and includes the attractive option of labeling the neuron for post hoc identification and reconstruction. This ensures “observing without disturbing” (Schubert, J Physiol 581(Pt 1):5, 2007) since the juxtasomal loose-patch recording does not involve breaking into the neuron and modifying its intracellular environment until after all physiological parameters have been obtained. The fundamental difference with extracellular recordings is therefore that juxtasomal recordings generate a direct link between physiological properties and cellular morphology. The necessary step for juxtasomal labeling involves physical interaction between the recording patch pipette and somatic membrane to create a loose-seal patch-clamp recording (hence: juxtasomal) and electroporation for label dialysis (Joshi and Hawken, J Neurosci Methods 156(1–2):37–49, 2006; Pinault, J Neurosci Methods 65(2):113–136, 1996). Next, post hoc histology is performed to reveal cell-type identity and optionally to digitally reconstruct the recorded neuron. In this chapter, I will describe the basic experimental procedures to obtain juxtasomal recordings in primary somatosensory cortex of awake, head-fixed rats and illustrate the information content of these experiments.

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Acknowledgements

I was introduced to the juxtasomal loose-patch technique by Randy Bruno (Columbia University, NY, USA) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bert Sakmann and thank both Randy and Prof. Sakmann for their continuous support, enthusiasm, and fruitful collaborations. Additionally, I'd like to thank Anton Pieneman for excellent technical support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Christiaan P. J. de Kock

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  1. Christiaan P. J. de Kock
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  1. The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel

    Alon Korngreen

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de Kock, C.P.J. (2016). Juxtasomal Loose-Patch Recordings in Awake, Head-Fixed Rats to Study the Link Between Structure and Function of Individual Neurons. In: Korngreen, A. (eds) Advanced Patch-Clamp Analysis for Neuroscientists. Neuromethods, vol 113. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3411-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3411-9_2

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-3409-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-3411-9

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