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Take genetically modified co-cultures of mouse ventral hippocampus slices and nucleus accumbens neurons on a coverslip.
The hippocampal neurons project pre-synaptic axon terminals overexpressing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, forming synapses with the post-synaptic nucleus accumbens neurons.
Neurons are loaded with a calcium indicator dye for intracellular calcium measurements.
Transfer the coverslip to a confocal microscope chamber perfused with buffer containing calcium ions.
Capture fluorescent images of the hippocampal axonal projections as a control.
Perfuse nicotine, which binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on hippocampal neurons, triggering calcium influx.
The calcium ions bind to the intracellular dye, increasing fluorescence.
Hippocampal axons release excitatory neurotransmitters, initiating synaptic transmission in nucleus accumbens neurons.
Wash with buffer to remove nicotine.
Over time, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation causes calcium release from intracellular stores, leading to increased dye fluorescence and indicating sustained calcium signaling along the ventral hippocampal axons.
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