Samuel L. Pfaff es profesor en el Laboratorio de Expresión Génica en el Instituto Salk de Estudios Biológicos y un investigador en el Instituto Médico Howard Hughes. Este trabajo fue apoyado por el Christopher y Dana Reeve Foundation. Joe Belcovson, Schnoeker Kent y Mike Sullivan en Recursos Multimedia en el Instituto Salk proporcionó asistencia con la fotografía y la edición.

1. Prepare líquido cefalorraquídeo artificial (ACSF) 1. En primer lugar, preparar un 2 litros de un depósito de 10 veces LCRa sin magnesio o calcio. Reactivos enumerados en milimolar. Los números de catálogo se refieren a Sigma / Aldrich. <table border="1" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"> 2 Litros 10X LCRa (sin Mg o Ca) </td></tr><tr><td> Reactivo </td><td> mM </td><td> g/2L </td><td> Catálogo </td></tr><tr><td> KCl </td><td> 40 </td><td> 5.96 </td><td> P-9333 </td></tr><tr><td> NaCl </td><td> 1280 </td><td> 149,61 </td><td> S-7653 </td></tr><tr><td> NaHCO3 </td><td> 210 </td><td> 35.28 </td><td> S-6297 </td></tr><tr><td> NaH 2 PO 4 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 1.38 </td><td> S-9638 </td></tr><tr><td> Glucosa </td><td> 300 </td><td> 108,12 </td><td> D-9434 </td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"> Agregue el agua destilada a 2L </td></tr></tbody></table> También vamos a preparar las soluciones 1M de MgSO 4 y CaCl 2 en 50 ml de agua para permitir ajustes en molaridad de experimento a experimento y para asegurar que el calcio se mantiene en solución. <table border="1" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"> Calcio 1M y las poblaciones de magnesio </td></tr><tr><td> Reactivo </td><td> M </td><td> g/50mL </td><td> Catálogo </td></tr><tr><td> CaCl2 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 7.35 </td><td> C-5080 </td></tr><tr><td> MgSO4 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 12.33 </td><td> M-5921 </td></tr></tbody></table> La solución debe ser gaseados LCRa con carbogen (95% O2 / CO2 al 5%) para reducir el pH antes de la adición de calcio o calcio se precipitan. <table border="1" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"> 1 Litro LCRa </td></tr><tr><td> Reactivo </td><td> Volumen </td></tr><tr><td> 10X LCRa </td><td> 100 ml </td></tr><tr><td> 1M CaCl2 </td><td> 1 ml (disección) 2 ml (de grabación) </td></tr><tr><td> 1M MgSO4 </td><td> 1 mL </td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"> Añadir ~ 800 ml de agua destilada, con carbogen gas durante 2 minutos antes de la adición de calcio </td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"> Añadir agua destilada hasta 1 litro. </td></tr></tbody></table> Las bombas y tubos y platos de disección debe enjuagarse antes y después de su uso. Disección Mientras que la disección, 1 mM de calcio LCRa debe ser continuamente gaseados con carbogen. El LCRa puede ser desviada de una botella a la placa de disección y se bombea desde el plato de disección a la botella o enviados a los residuos. Nosotros usamos un elastómero (Sylgard, Dow Corning) plato recubierto de realizar la disección. El ratón neonatal es rápidamente decapitado con tijeras y se hace una incisión con tijeras por el tórax y el abdomen ventral. El animal es entonces eviscerado. El ratón eviscerado se enjuaga con LCRa. El animal es luego depositado en el plato de disección con alfileres de insectos inserta a través de las extremidades anteriores y en la base de la cola. La columna vertebral se elimina mediante la realización de una laminectomía ventral. La columna vertebral se mantiene con pequeñas pinzas y una hoja de tijera pequeña se inserta inmediatamente dorsal a la columna vertebral ósea. La lámina se corta en un lado y luego el otro, mientras que levantar suavemente la columna vertebral ósea. Esto se lleva a cabo para la longitud de la columna vertebral. La médula espinal es eliminado por el corte a lo largo de ambos lados de la médula espinal para cortar las raíces del nervio espinal y las meninges corte que rodea la médula espinal. Cortamos en los lados izquierdo y derecho, y luego cortamos las meninges atado a la parte dorsal de la médula espinal para liberarlo. El cable aislado es entonces clavada en el plato cerca de la entrada LCRa para asegurar una buena oxigenación si otros animales, se disecan. La médula espinal aislado se transfiere a un plato de grabación con una cuchara o una espátula. Aquí perfundir la preparación con oxigenada de calcio 2 mM LCRa. La médula espinal se fija en el plato recubierto de elastómero y micromanipulador utiliza para mover los electrodos extracelulares, toda aspiración de raíz cerca de las raíces. Cuando la punta del electrodo se encuentra cerca del extremo de la raíz libre, suave succión se aplica a sacar la raíz en el electrodo de succión. Este proceso se puede repetir para grabar varias raíces al mismo tiempo. <img src="/files/ftp_upload/1660/1660fig1.jpg" alt="Figura 1" /> Figura 1. Decapitación y extracción de las vísceras. A. Rápidamente decapitar al ratón con unas tijeras afiladas. Contribuciones más o menos desde el tronco cerebral se puede lograr en función del nivel de corte. B. Coloque una hoja de la tijera en la abertura de la cavidad torácica creada por la decapitación. Abrir el tórax y el abdomen ventral a la base de la cola. Retire las vísceras y enjuague con LCRa. <img src="/files/ftp_upload/1660/1660fig2.jpg" alt="Figura 2"/&gt; Figura 2. La eliminación de la columna vertebral. A. Inserte la hoja izquierda de las tijeras en el espacio entre la columna vertebral y la médula espinal a la derecha de la médula espinal y cortar a través de los huesos por la que se ventral de la médula. A continuación, introduzca el extremo derecho de la tijera en el espacio entre la columna vertebral y la médula espinal a la izquierda de la médula espinal y se corta. B. Repita este proceso mientras se aplica una tracción suave de la columna vertebral. Tenga cuidado de no pinchar la médula espinal mediante la celebración de las tijeras en un ángulo bajo. <img src="/files/ftp_upload/1660/1660fig3.jpg" alt="Figura 3" /> Figura 3. La eliminación de la médula espinal. A. Inserte la hoja izquierda de las tijeras en el espacio entre la médula espinal y los huesos a la derecha de la médula espinal y cortar a través de las raíces espinal y las meninges por la que se laterales a la médula. A continuación, introduzca el extremo derecho de la tijera en el espacio entre la médula espinal y los huesos a la izquierda de la médula espinal y cortar a través de las raíces espinal y las meninges por la que se laterales a la médula. B. Por último, levante suavemente el cable rostral y cortar las meninges de conectar el cable a la lámina dorsal. Una vez más tener cuidado de no pinchar la médula espinal mediante la celebración de las tijeras en un ángulo bajo. No corte las raíces demasiado cerca de la médula espinal.

<ol>
	<li>Myers, C. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cholinergic+input+is+required+during+embryonic+development+to+mediate+proper+assembly+of+spinal+locomotor+circuits.">Cholinergic input is required during embryonic development to mediate proper assembly of spinal locomotor circuits.</a> Neuron. 46, 37-49 (2005).</li><li>Goulding, M., Pfaff, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+circuits+that+generate+simple+rhythmic+behaviors+in+vertebrates.">Development of circuits that generate simple rhythmic behaviors in vertebrates.</a> Curr Opin Neurobiol. 15 (1), 14-20 (2005).</li><li>Gallarda, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Segregation+of+axial+motor+and+sensory+pathways+via+heterotypic+trans-axonal+signaling.">Segregation of axial motor and sensory pathways via heterotypic trans-axonal signaling.</a> Science. 320, (2008).</li><li>Gosgnach, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=V1+spinal+neurons+regulate+the+speed+of+vertebrate+locomotor+outputs.">V1 spinal neurons regulate the speed of vertebrate locomotor outputs.</a> Nature. 440 (7081), 215-219 (2006).</li><li>Lanuza, G. M., Gosgnach, S., Pierani, A., Jessell, T. M., Goulding, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetic+identification+of+spinal+interneurons+that+coordinate+left-right+locomotor+activity+necessary+for+walking+movements.">Genetic identification of spinal interneurons that coordinate left-right locomotor activity necessary for walking movements.</a> Neuron. 42 (3), 375-386 (2004).</li><li>Jiang, Z., Carlin, K. P., Brownstone, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+in+vitro+functionally+mature+mouse+spinal+cord+preparation+for+the+study+of+spinal+motor+networks.">An in vitro functionally mature mouse spinal cord preparation for the study of spinal motor networks.</a> Brain Res. 816 (2), 493-499 (1999).</li><li>Ziskind-Conhaim, L., Gao, B. X., Hinckley, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ethanol+dual+modulatory+actions+on+spontaneous+postsynaptic+currents+in+spinal+motoneurons.">Ethanol dual modulatory actions on spontaneous postsynaptic currents in spinal motoneurons.</a> J Neurophysiol. 89 (2), 806-813 (2003).</li><li>Tabak, J., Rinzel, J., O'Donovan, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+activity-dependent+network+depression+in+the+expression+and+self-regulation+of+spontaneous+activity+in+the+developing+spinal+cord.">The role of activity-dependent network depression in the expression and self-regulation of spontaneous activity in the developing spinal cord.</a> J Neurosci. 21 (22), 8966-8978 (2001).</li><li>Chub, N., Mentis, G. Z., O'Donovan, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chloride-sensitive+MEQ+fluorescence+in+chick+embryo+motoneurons+following+manipulations+of+chloride+and+during+spontaneous+network+activity.">Chloride-sensitive MEQ fluorescence in chick embryo motoneurons following manipulations of chloride and during spontaneous network activity.</a> J Neurophysiol. 95 (1), 323-330 (2006).</li></ol>

Cuidado de los Animales<br /&gt;<br /&gt; Los experimentos en animales se realizaron de acuerdo con las directrices y normas establecidas por el Instituto Salk para Estudios Biológicos AIACUC.

El aislado de la médula espinal neonatal proporciona un método manejable de estudiar el sistema nervioso desarrollo1, 2. Dentro de la médula lumbar espinal de roedores recién nacidos, los circuitos centrales de generación de patrones puede producir locomoción ficticia en la presencia de neurotransmisores. Esta locomoción ficticia consiste en aumentos de ritmo en la actividad, las explosiones, que se producen en el 0,2 a 0,5 Hz. Estas explosiones se organizan para producir la alternancia izquierda-derecha a lo lar...

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">	
		
		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>KCl</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>P-9333</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NaCl	</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>S-7653</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NaHCO3</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>S-6297</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NaH2PO4</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>S-9638</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Glucose</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>D-9434</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>CaCl2</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>C-5080</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>MgSO4</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>M-5921</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Large Scissors</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>14070-12</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Forceps</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>11050-10</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Fine Scissors</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>15000-10</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Insect pins</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>26002-10</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Sylgard 184 (Dow-Corning)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>1L volumetric flask</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>100mL volumetric flask</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

spinal cord electrophysiology

El cordón espinal de ratón recién nacido es un modelo para estudiar el desarrollo de circuitos neuronales y el movimiento del aparato locomotor. Nos demuestran que la disección de la médula espinal y la preparación del baño de grabación de líquido cefalorraquídeo artificial utilizado para estudios del aparato locomotor. Una vez disecado, las raíces nerviosas de la médula espinal ventral puede ser conectado a un electrodo de registro para registrar las señales electrofisiológicas de los circuitos generadores de patrones centrales dentro de la médula lumbar.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Spinal Cord Electrophysiology at JoVE.com

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Una demostración del aislamiento de la médula espinal de ratón neonatal para los estudios electrofisiológicos.

La médula espinal de Electrofisiología

The neonatal mouse spinal cord is a model for studying the development of neural circuitries and locomotor movement. We demonstrate the spinal cord ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

21.1K vistas.  Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Gene Expression Laboratory. Una demostración del aislamiento de la médula espinal de ratón neonatal para los estudios electrofisiológicos.

Video: Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Applying Microfluidics to Electrophysiology

Microfluidics can be integrated with standard electrophysiology techniques to allow new experimental modalities.  Specifically, the motivation for the microfluidic brain slice device is discussed including how the device docks to standard perfusion chambers and the technique of passive pumping which is used to deliver boluses of neuromodulators to the brain slice.  By simplifying the device design, we are able to achieve a practical solution to the current unmet electrophysiology need of applying multiple neuromodulators across multiple regions of the brain slice.  This is achieved by substituting the standard coverglass substrate of the perfusion chamber with a thin microfluidic device bonded to the coverglass substrate.  This was then attached to the perfusion chamber and small holes connect the open-well of the perfusion chamber to the microfluidic channels buried within the microfluidic substrate.  These microfluidic channels are interfaced with ports drilled into the edge of the perfusion chamber to access and deliver stimulants.  This project represents how the field of microfluidics is transitioning away from proof-of concept device demonstrations and into practical solutions for unmet experimental and clinical needs.

La aplicación de microfluídica para Electrofisiología

Microfluidics can be integrated with standard electrophysiology techniques to allow new experimental modalities.  Specifically, the motivation for the ...

Investigación

Biología

Preparation of Artificial Bilayers for Electrophysiology Experiments

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. These bilayers can be used for many different studies, such as the characterization of membrane-active peptides, the reconstitution of ion channels or investigations on how changes in lipid bilayer properties alter the function of bilayer-spanning channels.  Here, we show how to form a planar bilayer and how to isolate small patches from the bilayer, and in a second video  will also demonstrate a procedure for using gramicidin channels to determine changes in lipid bilayer elastic properties.   We also demonstrate the individual steps needed to prepare the bilayer chamber, the electrodes and how to test that the bilayer is suitable for single-channel measurements.

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. Here, we demonstrate the individual steps needed to prepare the bilayer chamber, the electrodes and how to test that the bilayer is suitable for single-channel measurements.

Preparación de la bicapa artificial para experimentos de electrofisiología

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. These bilayers can ...

Combining Peripheral Nerve Grafting and Matrix Modulation to Repair the Injured Rat Spinal Cord

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord (SCI) causes death of neurons, disruption of motor and sensory nerve fiber (axon) pathways and disruption of communication with the brain. One of the goals of our research is to promote axon regeneration to restore connectivity across the lesion site. To accomplish this we developed a peripheral nerve (PN) grafting technique where segments of sciatic nerve are either placed directly between the damaged ends of the spinal cord or are used to form a bridge across the lesion. There are several advantages to this approach compared to transplantation of other neural tissues; regenerating axons can be directed towards a specific target area, the number and source of regenerating axons is easily determined by tracing techniques, the graft can be used for electrophysiological experiments to measure functional recovery associated with axons in the graft, and it is possible to use an autologous nerve to reduce the possibility of graft rejection. In our lab we have performed both autologous (donor and recipient are the same animal) and heterologous (donor and recipient are different animals) grafts with comparable results. This approach has been used successfully in both acute and chronic injury situations. Regenerated axons that reach the distal end of the PN graft often fail to extend back into the spinal cord, so we use microinjections of chondroitinase to degrade inhibitory molecules associated with the scar tissue surrounding the area of SCI. At the same time we have found that providing exogenous growth and trophic molecules encourages longer distance axonal regrowth into the spinal cord. Several months after transplantation we perform a variety of anatomical, behavioral and electrophysiological tests to evaluate the recovery of function in our spinal cord injured animals. This experimental approach has been used successfully in several spinal cord injury models, at different levels of injury and in different species (mouse, rat and cat). Importantly, the peripheral nerve grafting approach is effective in promoting regeneration by acute and chronically injured neurons.

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord disrupts communication with the brain. To restore lost connectivity we utilize a peripheral nerve graft to provide a substratum for regenerating fibers in combination with neurotrophic factors and matrix-modulating enzymes to remove inhibitory molecules to promote long distance growth.

La combinación de injerto de nervio periférico y la matriz de modulación para la Reparación de médula espinal de ratas lesionados

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord (SCI) causes death of neurons, disruption of motor and sensory nerve fiber (axon) pathways and disruption of ...

Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis of Small Hearts

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our Semi-automatic Optical Heartbeat Analysis (SOHA) uses a novel movement detection algorithm that is able to detect cardiac movements associated with individual contractile and relaxation events. The program provides a host of physiologically relevant readouts including systolic and diastolic intervals, heart rate, as well as qualitative and quantitative measures of heartbeat arrhythmicity. The program also calculates heart diameter measurements during both diastole and systole from which fractional shortening and fractional area changes are calculated. Output is provided as a digital file compatible with most spreadsheet programs. Measurements are made for every heartbeat in a record increasing the statistical power of the output. We demonstrate each of the steps where user input is required and show the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in all three genetically tractable heart models.

We have developed a Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis method (SOHA) for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts. We demonstrate the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in fruit fly and embryonic mouse hearts.

Semi-automatizado de análisis óptico latido de los corazones pequeños

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our ...

Assaying the Ability of Diffusible Signaling Molecules to Reorient Embryonic Spinal Commissural Axons

Dorsal commissural axons in the vertebrate spinal cord1 have been an invaluable model system in which to identify axon guidance signals. Here, we describe an in vitro assay, "the reorientation assay", that has been used extensively to study the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic signals on the orientation of commissural axons2. This assay was developed by numerous people in the laboratories of Jane Dodd, Thomas Jessell and Andrew Lumsden (see acknowledgements for more details) and versions of this assay were used to demonstrate the reorientation activities of key axon guidance molecules, including the BMP chemorepellent in the roof plate3,4 and the chemoattractive activities of Netrin15 and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)6 in the floor plate in the spinal cord.
Explants comprising 2-3 segments of the dorsal two-thirds of spinal cord are dissected from embryonic day (E) 11 rats and cultured in three dimensional collagen gels7. E11 dorsal spinal explants contain newly born commissural neurons, which can be identified by their axonal expression of the glycoprotein, Tag18. Over the course of 30-40 hours in culture, the commissural axon trajectory is recapitulated in these dorsal explants with a time course similar to that seen in vivo. This axonal trajectory can be challenged by placing either test tissues or a COS cell aggregate expressing a candidate signaling molecule in contact with one of the lateral edges of the dorsal explant. Commissural axons extending in the vicinity of the appended tissue will grow under the influence of both the endogenous roof plate and signals from the ectopic lateral tissue. The degree to which commissural axons are reoriented under these circumstances can be quantified. Using this assay, it is possible both to examine the sufficiency of a particular signal to reorient commissural axons3,4 as well the necessity for this signal to direct the commissural trajectory9.

This assay assesses the ability of a signaling molecule, here Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7), to reorient commissural axons. An explant of embryonic dorsal spinal cord is cultured adjacent to an aggregate of COS cells secreting the candidate growth factors. Reoriented commissural axons growing within the explant are visualized by immunohistochemistry.

Ensayo de la capacidad de difusible moléculas de señalización para reorientar embrionarias axones de la comisura espinal

Dorsal commissural axons in the vertebrate spinal cord1 have been an invaluable model system in which to identify axon guidance signals.  Here, we ...

Exploring Arterial Smooth Muscle Kv7 Potassium Channel Function using Patch Clamp Electrophysiology and Pressure Myography

Contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the walls of resistance arteries determines the artery diameter and thereby controls flow of blood through the vessel and contributes to systemic blood pressure. The contraction process is regulated primarily by cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt), which is in turn controlled by a variety of ion transporters and channels. Ion channels are common intermediates in signal transduction pathways activated by vasoactive hormones to effect vasoconstriction or vasodilation. And ion channels are often targeted by therapeutic agents either intentionally (e.g. calcium channel blockers used to induce vasodilation and lower blood pressure) or unintentionally (e.g. to induce unwanted cardiovascular side effects).
Kv7 (KCNQ) voltage-activated potassium channels have recently been implicated as important physiological and therapeutic targets for regulation of smooth muscle contraction. To elucidate the specific roles of Kv7 channels in both physiological signal transduction and in the actions of therapeutic agents, we need to study how their activity is modulated at the cellular level as well as evaluate their contribution in the context of the intact artery.
The rat mesenteric arteries provide a useful model system. The arteries can be easily dissected, cleaned of connective tissue, and used to prepare isolated arterial myocytes for patch clamp electrophysiology, or cannulated and pressurized for measurements of vasoconstrictor/vasodilator responses under relatively physiological conditions. Here we describe the methods used for both types of measurements and provide some examples of how the experimental design can be integrated to provide a clearer understanding of the roles of these ion channels in the regulation of vascular tone.

Measurements of Kv7 (KCNQ) potassium channel activity in isolated arterial myocytes (using patch clamp electrophysiological techniques) in parallel with measurements of constrictor/dilator responses (using pressure myography) can reveal important information about the roles of Kv7 channels in vascular smooth muscle physiology and pharmacology.

Exploración del músculo liso arterial KV7 función del canal de potasio mediante electrofisiología Patch Clamp y miografía presión

Contraction  or relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the walls of resistance arteries  determines the artery diameter and thereby controls flow of ...

Giant Liposome Preparation for Imaging and Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology

The reconstitution of ion channels into chemically defined lipid membranes for electrophysiological recording has been a powerful technique to identify and explore the function of these important proteins. However, classical preparations, such as planar bilayers, limit the manipulations and experiments that can be performed on the reconstituted channel and its membrane environment. The more cell-like structure of giant liposomes permits traditional patch-clamp experiments without sacrificing control of the lipid environment.
Electroformation is an efficient mean to produce giant liposomes &gt;10 &mu;m in diameter which relies on the application of alternating voltage to a thin, ordered lipid film deposited on an electrode surface. However, since the classical protocol calls for the lipids to be deposited from organic solvents, it is not compatible with less robust membrane proteins like ion channels and must be modified. Recently, protocols have been developed to electroform giant liposomes from partially dehydrated small liposomes, which we have adapted to protein-containing liposomes in our laboratory.
We present here the background, equipment, techniques, and pitfalls of electroformation of giant liposomes from small liposome dispersions. We begin with the classic protocol, which should be mastered first before attempting the more challenging protocols that follow. We demonstrate the process of controlled partial dehydration of small liposomes using vapor equilibrium with saturated salt solutions. Finally, we demonstrate the process of electroformation itself. We will describe simple, inexpensive equipment that can be made in-house to produce high-quality liposomes, and describe visual inspection of the preparation at each stage to ensure the best results.

Reconstituting functional membrane proteins into giant liposomes of defined composition is a powerful approach when combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology. However, conventional giant liposome production may be incompatible with protein stability. We describe protocols for producing giant liposomes from pure lipids or small liposomes containing ion channels.

Preparación de liposomas gigantes de la Imagen y Patch-Clamp Electrofisiología

The reconstitution of ion channels into chemically defined lipid membranes for electrophysiological recording has been a powerful technique to identify ...

Introduction to Solid Supported Membrane Based Electrophysiology

The electrophysiological method we present is based on a solid supported membrane (SSM) composed of an octadecanethiol layer chemisorbed on a gold coated sensor chip and a phosphatidylcholine monolayer on top. This assembly is mounted into a cuvette system containing the reference electrode, a chlorinated silver wire.
After adsorption of membrane fragments or proteoliposomes containing the membrane protein of interest, a fast solution exchange is used to induce the transport activity of the membrane protein. In the single solution exchange protocol two solutions, one non-activating and one activating solution, are needed. The flow is controlled by pressurized air and a valve and tubing system within a faraday cage.
The kinetics of the electrogenic transport activity is obtained via capacitive coupling between the SSM and the proteoliposomes or membrane fragments. The method, therefore, yields only transient currents. The peak current represents the stationary transport activity. The time dependent transporter currents can be reconstructed by circuit analysis.
This method is especially suited for prokaryotic transporters or eukaryotic transporters from intracellular membranes, which cannot be investigated by patch clamp or voltage clamp methods.

Here we present an electrophysiological method based on solid supported membranes with focus on its applications for the characterization of electrogenic membrane transporters.

Introducción a Solid membrana compatibles Basada Electrofisiología

The electrophysiological method we present is based on a solid supported membrane (SSM) composed of an octadecanethiol layer chemisorbed on a gold coated ...

In Vivo SiRNA Transfection and Gene Knockdown in Spinal Cord via Rapid Noninvasive Lumbar Intrathecal Injections in Mice

This report describes a step-by-step guide to the technique of acute intrathecal needle injections in a noninvasive manner, i.e. independent of catheter implantation. The technical limitation of this surgical technique lies in the finesse of the hands. The injection is rapid, especially for a trained experimenter, and since tissue disruption with this technique is minimal, repeated injections are possible; moreover immune reaction to foreign tools (e.g. catheter) does not occur, thereby giving a better and more specific read out of spinal cord modulation. Since the application of the substance is largely limited to the target region of the spinal cord, drugs do not need to be applied in large dosages, and more importantly unwanted effects on other tissue, as observed with a systemic delivery, could be circumvented1,2. Moreover, we combine this technique with in vivo transfection of nucleic acid with the help of polyethylenimine (PEI) reagent3, which provides tremendous versatility for studying spinal functions via delivery of pharmacological agents as well as gene, RNA, and protein modulators.

In Vivo SiRNA Transfection and Gene Knockdown in Spinal Cord via Rapid Noninvasive Lumbar Intrathecal Injections in Mice

This report describes a simple and rapid technique of intrathecal needle puncture for a localized transfection of siRNA in the lumbar spinal cord in mouse under short lasting light anesthesia.

En Vivo transfección siRNA y Gene Derribo en la médula espinal a través de Rapid no invasiva lumbar intratecal inyecciones en ratones

This report describes a step-by-step guide to the technique of acute intrathecal needle injections in a noninvasive manner, i.e. independent of catheter ...

Cystometric and External Urethral Sphincter Measurements in Awake Rats with Implanted Catheter and Electrodes Allowing for Repeated Measurements

Lower urinary tract function is mainly assessed by means of cystometric bladder function analysis in rodents. Conventional cystometries are usually performed as terminal analysis under urethane anesthesia. It is well known that anesthetic drugs can influence bladder function. Hence, the aim of this technique is to perform cystometric measurements of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter in lightly restrained awake rats. For this purpose, a bladder catheter is implanted into the bladder dome. Subsequently, two electrodes are implanted bilateral to the external urethral sphincter and a ground electrode is sutured to a non-responsive skeletal muscle. The bladder catheter and the three electrodes are finally tunneled subcutaneously to the neck region and affixed to a harness. With this technique, the lower urinary tract can be measured at multiple time points in the same animal to assess lower urinary tract function. The main application of this technique is the follow-up of simultaneous urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter function in awake healthy rats and after induction of a disease or injury. Moreover, subsequent lower urinary tract monitoring can be performed during evaluation of the disease/injury and to monitor treatment efficacy.

This protocol first describes the surgical procedure of the permanent implantation of a urinary bladder catheter combined with external urethral sphincter electrodes, and second, the measurement of the function of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter in implanted awake animals.

Medición de esfínter uretral externo cistométrico en ratas despiertas con catéter implantado y electrodos para medidas repetidas

Lower urinary tract function is mainly assessed by means of cystometric bladder function analysis in rodents. Conventional cystometries are usually ...