Questo lavoro è stato sostenuto da NIH sovvenzioni EY019312 e EY021126 (vjk), EY002687 al Dipartimento di Oftalmologia e Scienze Visive presso la Washington University, e da Research per prevenire la cecità.

Tutti i protocolli sperimentali sono stati in conformità con la guida per la cura e l&#39;uso di animali da laboratorio e sono stati approvati dal Comitato istituzionale Animal Studies presso la Washington University. 1. Impostazione perfusione e Campione di laboratorio <ol><li> Preparare la soluzione per perfusione retina fresco il giorno dell&#39;esperimento. Utilizzare acqua distillata e deionizzata. Utilizzare una delle seguenti tre soluzioni. <ol><li> Preparare Bicarbonato contenenti &#39;soluzione (1 L): 1 bottiglia di Ames&#39; Ames media e 1,9 g di NaHCO 3, </li><li> Preparare la soluzione di Locke (in mM): 112.5 NaCl, 3.6 KCl, 2,4 MgCl 2, 1.2 CaCl 2, 10.0 HEPES, 20.0 NaHCO 3, 3.0 Na succinato, 0,5 Na glutammato, 0,02 EDTA, e 10,0 di glucosio, 0,1% vitamine MEM e ammino Acidi </li><li> Preparare soluzione tamponata HEPES Ringer (in mM): NaCl 133,3, KCl 3,3, 2,0 MgCl 2, 1.0 CaCl 2, 10.0 glucosio, 0,01 EDTA, 12.0 HEPES, pHregolato a 7,5 con ~ 5,8 ml di 1 M NaOH, aggiungere 0,72 g / L Leibovitz mezzo di coltura L-15. Usare 20 - 50 mM DL-AP4 e 50 - 100 pM BaCl 2 per isolare la risposta fotorecettore con qualsiasi mezzo di perfusione. </li></ol></li><li> Preparare la soluzione per elettrodi 28 (in mM): NaCl 140,0, KCl 3.6, 2.4 MgCl 2, 1.2 CaCl 2, 3, HEPES 0,01 EDTA e aggiustare il pH a 7,4-7,5 con NaOH. Soluzione elettrodo può essere conservata a temperatura ambiente per diversi mesi. </li><li> Preparare e testare il supporto del campione. <ol><li> Incollare il nero / carta grigia filtro in cima alle cupole della parte inferiore del titolare del campione (vedi Figura 1A). Distribuire accuratamente bicomponente 5 min colla epossidica intorno ai bordi delle cime piane delle cupole. Se necessario, farlo al microscopio dissezione. </li><li> Attendere che la colla è quasi asciutto (circa 4 min) e premere la carta filtro cupole utilizzando un elemento piatta. Carta da filtro colla almeno un giorno prima dell&#39;esperimento. Ilcarta da filtro può essere utilizzato più volte, ma deve essere sostituito dopo un mese di registrazioni. Usa il 70% di etanolo per pulire accuratamente cupole da eventuali residui di colla prima di installare la carta sostitutiva. </li><li> Riempire i canali degli elettrodi con soluzione elettrodo cercando di evitare le bolle d&#39;aria e vite elettrodi pellet chiusa con un adattatore filettato nei canali elettrodi (vedi figure 1 A e B). Collegare i superiore e inferiore pezzi del supporto del campione con quattro viti e riempire le linee di perfusione con soluzione elettrodi. </li><li> Misurare la resistenza e la tensione tra i conduttori di ciascuna coppia di elettrodi con un multimetro (Figura 1B). La resistenza deve essere inferiore a 100 Ωk e la tensione sotto 10 mV se i canali sono senza bolle e gli elettrodi sono in buone condizioni. </li></ol></li><li> Versare 400-700 ml di supporti perfusione nella bottiglia. Indipendente altri 300 ml da utilizzare nella dissezione di retine e sstrappò in un frigorifero. Impostare il tubo di perfusione nel blocco scambiatore di calore e posizionare il blocco preriscaldato sulla piastra di riscaldamento (vedi Figura 1D). </li><li> Racchiudere la bottiglia con un tappo che ha collegamenti di CO 2 / O 2 gas (se si usa Ames &#39;o Locke) e per le tubazioni perfusione (Figura 1D). Preriscaldare la bottiglia con il supporto a 37 o C e posizionarlo sulla piastra di riscaldamento o sulla parte superiore dell&#39;unità stimolazione luminosa in bagnomaria a 37-39 ° C 17. <ol><li> Prime linee di perfusione di riempimento d&#39;supporti perfusione di avviare il flusso di gravità-driven. <ol><li> Nel sistema LKC, posizionare la bottiglia sulla parte superiore dell&#39;unità stimolatore 17 per fornire un flusso gravitazionale significativo che viene poi regolata da regolatori di portata senza essere influenzato dal livello di riduzione della soluzione di perfusione nella bottiglia durante l&#39;esperimento. </li><li> Nel sistema di Ocuscience, posizionare il pbottiglia erfusion all&#39;interno della gabbia di Faraday per minimizzare il rumore e posizionare linee di uscita lungo perfusione del portacampioni (vedi passo 2.8) ben al di sotto del livello del portacampioni (e bottiglia perfusione) per aumentare l&#39;azionamento gravitazionale della soluzione. Schermare le linee di uscita e collegare lo schermo a terra dell&#39;amplificatore per evitare l&#39;accoppiamento del rumore elettromagnetico al segnale ERG. </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> Regolare la perfusione di 3 - 5 ml / min utilizzando regolatori di portata. Collegare 5% di CO 2/95% O 2 gas da una bombola con una corretta regolazione e regolare la portata per garantire gorgoglio costante dei mezzi di comunicazione nella bottiglia attraverso una pietra d&#39;aria. </li></ol> Preparazione 2. campione <ol><li> Montare gli strumenti di dissezione pulite e nitide compreso microscissors straight-lame, uno o due 45 o pinzette, lama di rasoio e un pezzo rettangolare di carta da filtro. </li><li> Versare circa 200 ml di perfu freddosoluzione sione in un grande piatto Petri in modo che tutta la parte inferiore del supporto del campione (comprese le cupole) può essere immerso nella soluzione. Questo passaggio diventa importante quando si monta la retina sui cupole (vedi punto 2.6). Sebbene alcune soluzioni sono progettate per essere saturo di CarboGen (5% CO 2/95% O 2), questo non è essenziale ai fini di dissezione e non è stato fatto negli esperimenti qui descritti. </li><li> Per un tipico esperimento, tenere gli animali in 12/12 ore scuro ciclo / luce e buio si adattano per 6-12 ore prima delle registrazioni. Euthanize l&#39;animale da CO 2 inalazione seguita da dislocazione cervicale sotto fioca luce rossa e fare tutte le seguenti procedure previste fioca luce rossa o IR (usare, ad esempio, il filtro rosso davanti alla sorgente luminosa del microscopio). <ol><li> Estrarre gli occhi con l&#39;ausilio di una pinzetta e metterli nei media. Inserire un occhio per volta su un piccolo pezzo di carta (ad esempio, carta da filtro regolare) e fare comeilluminato approssimativamente il livello di ora serrata tenendo l&#39;occhio con una pinzetta (questo è fatto di fuori della soluzione qui). </li></ol></li><li> Tagliare lungo la serrata (o più vicino all&#39;equatore dell&#39;occhio) con microscissors e rimuovere la cornea e la lente. Posizionare l&#39;oculare nei media freddo nella grande capsula di Petri e ripetere la stessa procedura con l&#39;altro occhio. </li><li> Tagliare una piccola incisione dall&#39;alto della tazza occhio verso il nervo ottico, mantenendo la forbice tra la retina e sclera per mantenere la retina intatto possibile. Grip sclera da entrambi i lati dell&#39;incisione utilizzando due pinzette e tirare le pinzette distanti per staccare la retina. <ol><li> Tagliare il nervo ottico e tentare di isolare la retina con una quantità minima di contatto fisico alla superficie distale. RPE sarà principalmente staccare automaticamente dalla retina durante il processo di dissezione. È più importante evitare disturbo meccanico della retina che per eseguire ladissezione rapidamente, generalmente retine può essere incubato almeno 30 min in soluzione senza effetti significativi sulle proprietà di risposta. </li></ol></li><li> Montare le retine sulle cupole del supporto del campione (Figura 1C). Immergere la parte inferiore del supporto del campione nella scatola di Petri con la retina sezionato. Scorrere la retina, fotorecettori lato (la superficie convessa della retina isolata) verso l&#39;alto, sopra la cupola e sollevare il supporto del campione in modo che la retina attacca sulla carta da filtro. Ripetere la procedura per l&#39;altro retina. </li><li> Asciugare con cura la piastra porta per evitare interferenze elettriche tra la retina, così come il rumore e il segnale shunt. Portacampione anelli O-ring intorno cupole parte inferiore per impedire soluzione fuoriuscita tra il fondo e le parti superiori del titolare, nonché per aiutare l&#39;isolamento elettrico dei fotorecettori e cellule gangliari lati dei singoli retine. Fissare la parte superiore del supporto con le quattro viti (Figura 1B) e riempire i canali di perfusione con soluzione di perfusione utilizzando una siringa e un ago. </li><li> Trasferire il titolare del campione accanto al blocco scambiatore di calore e collegare le linee di ingresso e di uscita di perfusione al titolare del campione (Figura 1D). Collegare gli elettrodi all&#39;amplificatore ERG (top elettrodi collegano alla terra / meno pin nel amplificatore) e collegare l&#39;unità stimolatore / di controllo sul supporto del campione utilizzando un adattatore o far scorrere la piastra elettrica nell&#39;unità stimolatore a seconda di quale in vivo Sistema ERG è utilizzato. </li></ol> 3. Registrazioni <ol><li> Configurare le impostazioni dell&#39;amplificatore e di stimolo utilizzando il software del sistema in vivo. Impostare la frequenza di acquisizione di un valore compreso tra 1 e 10 kHz e filtrazione passabasso a 300 Hz. Non utilizzare il filtro passa-alto. Utilizzare 60 Hz (o 50 Hz in Europa) segnare il filtro, se necessario. </li><li> Record di base senza stimolazione luminosa e lo spiritoh stimolazione dim (ad es., la luce verde di -35 dB o 0.3 mCd sm -2) per testare per buon collegamento elettrico tra gli elettrodi e il campione retina. Attendere 10 - 20 min prima di iniziare la raccolta di dati in modo che la temperatura e la funzione retinica raggiungere uno stato stabile. <ol><li> Scegli i parametri di stimolo secondo qualsiasi esperimento specifico e avviare la raccolta dei dati. Ad esempio, utilizzare la luce verde da -40 a 0 dB o da 0,1 fino a 1.000 mCd sm -2 per una famiglia risposta scotopic. Usa circa 2 a 3 log-unità più luminoso lampeggia registrazioni fotopiche dove aste devono essere soppressi dalla luce di fondo (3-30 Cdm -2) o un&#39;unità flash sonda (circa 1,3 Cd sm -2 = 1 dB, vedi figura 3). </li><li> Tuttavia, ricordare che gli esatti valori di intensità della luce potrebbe essere un po &#39;dipende dal sistema di calibrazione e condizioni sperimentali. Come regola generale, le intensità di scala in calo di 5 - 10 volte rispetto a in vivo </em&gt; registrazioni quando si utilizza la luce verde 17. Un coperchio nero con aperture sopra la retina (inclusi nel sistema adattatore commerciale) può essere utilizzato per ridurre la dispersione della luce nel portacampioni e facilitare omogenea e stimolo uguale dei due retine dalla sfera Ganzfeld dei sistemi commerciali in vivo. NOTA: Per le registrazioni di retina adattata al buio, le intensità dei lampi di prova utilizzati in un tipico esperimento di candeggina solo una frazione trascurabile del pigmento in modo che la mancanza di rigenerazione RPE-driven non è un problema. Inoltre, è stato precedentemente dimostrato che la rigenerazione pigmento cono può ancora avvenire nella retina isolata mediante la cella Müller ciclo visivo 20. </li></ol></li><li> Come esperimenti durano in genere da 30 minuti fino a diverse ore, monitorare la deriva della linea di base, il livello di rumore e la stabilità di risposta durante l&#39;esperimento come movimenti di questi potrebbero indicare problemi tecnici. NOTA: L&#39;aumento o la diminuzione del rumoreampiezze d risposta possono indicare bolle d&#39;aria nei canali di perfusione o elettrodi, troppo bassa o alta temperatura, la soluzione di perdita / fuoriuscita o spostamento della retina. </li></ol> 4. Pulizia <ol><li> Staccare il supporto del campione dalle linee di perfusione, aprirlo e lavare la retina dalla carta da filtro. Rimuovere gli elettrodi e sciacquare con acqua distillata (non utilizzare etanolo). Pulire il supporto del campione (compresi i canali di perfusione) con etanolo e / o di acqua distillata. Tubazione perfusione Lavare accuratamente con&gt; 70% di etanolo. </li><li> Sciacquare la bottiglia di perfusione con acqua distillata (non utilizzare detergenti). L&#39;etanolo può essere utilizzata anche per pulire la bottiglia. </li></ol>

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N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=UV-+and+midwave-sensitive+cone-driven+retinal+responses+of+the+mouse:+a+possible+phenotype+for+coexpression+of+cone+photopigments.">UV- and midwave-sensitive cone-driven retinal responses of the mouse: a possible phenotype for coexpression of cone photopigments.</a> J. Neurosci. 19, 442-455 (1999).</li><li>Lyubarsky, A. L., Daniele, L. L., Pugh, E. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=From+candelas+to+photoisomerizations+in+the+mouse+eye+by+rhodopsin+bleaching+in+situ+and+the+light-rearing+dependence+of+the+major+components+of+the+mouse+ERG.">From candelas to photoisomerizations in the mouse eye by rhodopsin bleaching in situ and the light-rearing dependence of the major components of the mouse ERG.</a> Vision Res. 44, 3235-3251 (2004).</li><li>Azevedo, A. W., Rieke, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Experimental+protocols+alter+phototransduction:+the+implications+for+retinal+processing+at+visual+threshold.">Experimental protocols alter phototransduction: the implications for retinal processing at visual threshold.</a> J. Neurosci. 31, 3670-3682 (2011).</li><li>Carter-Dawson, L. D., LaVail, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rods+and+cones+in+the+mouse+retina.+I.+Structural+analysis+using+light+and+electron+microscopy.">Rods and cones in the mouse retina. I. Structural analysis using light and electron microscopy.</a> J. Comp. Neurol. 188, 245-262 (1979).</li><li>Fain, G. L., Matthews, H. R., Cornwall, M. C., Koutalos, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adaptation+in+vertebrate+photoreceptors.">Adaptation in vertebrate photoreceptors.</a> Physiol. Rev. 81, 117-151 (2001).</li><li>Calvert, P. D., Strissel, K. J., Schiesser, W. E., Pugh, E. N., Arshavsky, V. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Light-driven+translocation+of+signaling+proteins+in+vertebrate+photoreceptors.">Light-driven translocation of signaling proteins in vertebrate photoreceptors.</a> Trends Cell Biol. 16, 560-568 (2006).</li><li>Schneeweis, D. M., Schnapf, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+photovoltage+of+macaque+cone+photoreceptors:+adaptation,+noise,+and+kinetics.">The photovoltage of macaque cone photoreceptors: adaptation, noise, and kinetics.</a> J. Neurosci. 19, 1203-1216 (1999).</li><li>Heikkinen, H., Vinberg, F., Nymark, S., Koskelainen, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mesopic+background+lights+enhance+dark-adapted+cone+ERG+flash+responses+in+the+intact+mouse+retina:+a+possible+role+for+gap+junctional+decoupling.">Mesopic background lights enhance dark-adapted cone ERG flash responses in the intact mouse retina: a possible role for gap junctional decoupling.</a> J. Neurophysiol. 105, 2309-2318 (2011).</li><li>Gouras, P., MacKay, C. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Growth+in+amplitude+of+the+human+cone+electroretinogram+with+light+adaptation.">Growth in amplitude of the human cone electroretinogram with light adaptation.</a> Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 30, 625-630 (1989).</li><li>Peachey, N. S., Goto, Y., al-Ubaidi, M. R., Naash, M. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Properties+of+the+mouse+cone-mediated+electroretinogram+during+light+adaptation.">Properties of the mouse cone-mediated electroretinogram during light adaptation.</a> Neurosci. Lett. 162, 9-11 (1993).</li></ol>

Washington University di St. Louis ha un accordo di licenza con Xenotec, Inc. e può ricevere una royalty dalla vendita dell&#39;adattatore ex vivo.

<html> Dimostriamo qui i passaggi critici per l&#39;ottenimento di alta qualità ex registrazioni vivo ERG contemporaneamente da due retine isolate del mouse utilizzando componenti in vivo del sistema ERG insieme ad un ex vivo adattatore ERG. In questo studio abbiamo perfusione entrambe le retine da animali con la stessa soluzione (sia Ames &#39;, Locke o Ringer), ma è anche possibile perfusione ogni retina con una soluzione diversa per esempio, a scopo di test di droga. I pa...

Elettroretinogramma (ERG) è una tecnica ben consolidata che può essere utilizzato per registrare l&#39;attività elettrica della retina innescata dalla luce. Il segnale ERG è generato principalmente dalle variazioni di tensione causate da correnti radiali (lungo l&#39;asse dei fotorecettori e cellule bipolari) scorre nello spazio extracellulare resistivo della retina. Il primo segnale ERG è stato registrato nel 1865 dal Holmgren dalla superficie di un occhio di pesce 1. Einthoven e Jolly 1908 2 diviso la risposta ERG all&#39;insorgenza di luce in tre differenti onde, denominato a-, b-, e c-onde, che sono ormai noti per riflettere principalmente l&#39;attività dei fotorecettori, cellule bipolari ON, e dell&#39;epitelio pigmentato cellule, rispettivamente 3-8. ERG può essere registrato dagli occhi di animali o esseri umani (in vivo) anestetizzati, dalla preparazione isolato occhio 9, attraverso isolato retina intatto (ex vivo) 3,10-15 o attraverso strati della retina specifici con i microelettrodi (localeERG) 4,16. Di questi, in vivo ERG è attualmente il metodo più usato per valutare la funzione della retina. Si tratta di una tecnica non invasiva che può essere usato per scopi diagnostici o per seguire la progressione di malattie retiniche negli animali o pazienti. Tuttavia, in vivo registrazioni ERG producono un segnale complicato con diversi componenti sovrapposti, spesso contaminato da rumore extraocular fisiologico (ad esempio, la respirazione e l&#39;attività cardiaca). ERG locale può essere utilizzato per registrare il segnale attraverso strati specifici della retina ma è il più invasivo e ha il segnale-rumore più basso (SNR) rispetto alle altre configurazioni di registrazione ERG. ERG locale è anche tecnicamente impegnativo e richiede costose attrezzature (ad esempio, microscopio e micromanipolatori). Transretinal ERG dal intatto, isolato retina (ex vivo ERG) offre un compromesso tra in vivo e metodi ERG locali permettendo stabile e high SNR registrazioni da retine intatte di animali o esseri umani 17. Recentemente, questo metodo è stato utilizzato con successo per studiare l&#39;asta e cono fotorecettori funzione in mammiferi, primati e umani retine 18-20. In aggiunta, a causa dell&#39;assenza di dell&#39;epitelio pigmentato in ex vivo retina, il componente c-onda positiva del segnale ERG viene rimosso e un componente importante negativo lento PIII è rivelato nelle ex vivo registrazioni. Il componente lenta PIII è stato dimostrato che provengono dalla attività delle cellule glia Müller nella retina 21-23. Così, ex vivo metodo ERG potrebbe essere utilizzato anche per studiare le cellule Müller nella retina intatto. Diversi studi hanno anche dimostrato che ex vivo registrazioni ERG potrebbero essere utilizzati per misurare la concentrazione di agenti farmacologici in giro per la retina 24 e testare la sicurezza e l&#39;efficacia dei farmaci 25-27. Commerciale multipla sistemi in vivo sono disponibili eutilizzato in molti laboratori che non hanno necessariamente vasta elettrofisiologia sfondo. Al contrario, ex vivo dispositivi non sono stati disponibili fino a poco 17 e come risultato solo pochi laboratori sono attualmente in corso vantaggio di questa tecnica potente. Sarebbe utile per effettuare registrazioni ex vivo ERG disponibile per più laboratori per far avanzare le nostre conoscenze sulla fisiologia della retina e la patologia, e di sviluppare nuove terapie per le malattie accecante. Dimostriamo qui un dispositivo semplice ed economico ex vivo ERG 17 e mostriamo come può essere utilizzato in combinazione con diversi sistemi disponibili in commercio in vivo ERG per registrare la segnalazione Rod- e cono-mediata (a- e b-onde) e la funzione di cellule Müller (lenta PIII) da intatte retine di topo wild-type.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>In vivo ERG system</td>
			<td>OcuScience</td>
			<td>HMsERG</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.ocuscience.us/id77.html">www.ocuscience.us/id77.html</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>In vivo ERG system</td>
			<td>LKC Technologies</td>
			<td>UTAS-E 3000</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.lkc.com/products/UTAS/bigshot.html">www.lkc.com/products/UTAS/bigshot.html</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ex vivo adapter</td>
			<td>OcuScience</td>
			<td>Ex VIVO ERG adapter</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.ocuscience.us/id107.html">www.ocuscience.us/id107.html</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection microscope</td>
			<td>North Central Instruments</td>
			<td>Leica M80</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.ncimicro.com/store/ListProduct.asp?bSub=T&amp;idCategory=27">May use any brand</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IR emitter</td>
			<td>Opto Diode Corp.</td>
			<td>OD-50L</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.optodiode.com/">www.optodiode.com</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Prowler Night Vision Scopes</td>
			<td>B.E. Meyers Electro Optics</td>
			<td>D4300-I</td>
			<td>Military grade product.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Red filter</td>
			<td>Rosco Laboratories</td>
			<td>Roscolux #27 Medium Red</td>
			<td>May be used instead of IR system</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Red head light</td>
			<td>OcuScience</td>
			<td>ERGX011</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.ocuscience.us/catalog/i29.html">www.ocuscience.us/catalog/i29.html</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microscissors</td>
			<td>WPI, Inc.</td>
			<td>500086</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.wpiinc.com/">www.wpiinc.com/</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont tweezers #5</td>
			<td>WPI, Inc.</td>
			<td>14101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Razor blades</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>72000</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.emsdiasum.com/">www.emsdiasum.com</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scale</td>
			<td>Metler Toledo</td>
			<td>AB54-S/FACT</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/">May use any brand</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pH meter and electrode</td>
			<td>Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td>pHI 350</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>S7653</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/">May use any brand</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KCl</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>60129</td>
			<td><a href="http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/">May use any brand</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MgCl2</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>63020</td>
			<td>1.0 M solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CaCl2</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>21114</td>
			<td>1.0 M solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EDTA</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>431788</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HEPES</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>H3375</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Bicarbonate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>S6297</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ames medium</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>A1420</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BaCl2</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>B0750</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DL-AP4</td>
			<td>Tocris Bioscience</td>
			<td>101</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Succinic acid disodium salt</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>224731</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Glutamic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>G2834</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>D-(+)-Glucose</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>G7528</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Leibovitz culture medium L-15</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>L4386</td>
			<td>May use any brand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MEM vitamins</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>M6895</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MEM amino acids</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>M5550</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carbogen</td>
			<td>Airgas</td>
			<td>UN3156</td>
			<td>5% CO2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

simultaneous ex vivo functional testing of two retinas by in vivo electroretinogram system

An In vivo electroretinogram (ERG) signal is composed of several overlapping components originating from different retinal cell types, as well as noise from extra-retinal sources. Ex vivo ERG provides an efficient method to dissect the function of retinal cells directly from an intact isolated retina of animals or donor eyes. In addition, ex vivo ERG can be used to test the efficacy and safety of potential therapeutic agents on retina tissue from animals or humans. We show here how commercially available in vivo ERG systems can be used to conduct ex vivo ERG recordings from isolated mouse retinas. We combine the light stimulation, electronic and heating units of a standard in vivo system with custom-designed specimen holder, gravity-controlled perfusion system and electromagnetic noise shielding to record low-noise ex vivo ERG signals simultaneously from two retinas with the acquisition software included in commercial in vivo systems. Further, we demonstrate how to use this method in combination with pharmacological treatments that remove specific ERG components in order to dissect the function of certain retinal cell types.

Abbiamo registrato risposte flash di tipo selvaggio adattata al buio (WT) C57BL / 6 retine topo seguendo i protocolli sperimentali sopra descritte ed illustrate in figura 1 utilizzando diverse soluzioni standard di perfusione (Figura 2). Le forme d&#39;onda di risposta e la cinetica e sensibilità bastoncelli apparsi simili in Ames &#39;e mezzi di Locke (Figura 2A e B). D&#39;altra parte, in soluzione di Ringer HEPES-buffered (senza bicarbonato o 5% CO ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Simultaneous ex vivo Functional Testing of Two Retinas by in vivo Electroretinogram System at JoVE.com

Simultaneous ex vivo Functional Testing of Two Retinas by in vivo Electroretinogram System

Ex vivo ERG can be used to record electrical activity of retinal cells directly from isolated intact retinas of animals or humans. We demonstrate here how common in vivo ERG systems can be adapted for ex vivo ERG recordings in order to dissect the electrical activity of retinal cells.

Simultaneo<em&gt; Ex vivo</em&gt; Test funzionale di due retine per<em&gt; In vivo</em&gt; Sistema Elettroretinogramma

An In vivo electroretinogram (ERG) signal is composed of several overlapping components originating from different retinal cell types, as well as noise ...

simultaneous-ex-vivo-functional-testing-two-retinas-vivo

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

Simultaneous ex vivo Functional Testing of Two Retinas by in vivo Electroretinogram System

9.0K Views.  Washington University in St. Louis. Ex vivo ERG can be used to record electrical activity of retinal cells directly from isolated intact retinas of animals or humans. We demonstrate here how common in vivo ERG systems can be adapted for ex vivo ERG recordings in order to dissect the electrical activity of retinal cells.

Video: Simultaneous ex vivo Functional Testing of Two Retinas by in vivo Electroretinogram System

Transfection of Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells by in vivo Electroporation

The targeting and refinement of RGC projections to the midbrain is a popular and powerful model system for studying how precise patterns of neural connectivity form during development. In mice, retinofugal projections are arranged in a topographic manner and form eye-specific layers in the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus and the Superior Colliculus (SC). The development of these precise patterns of retinofugal projections has typically been studied by labeling populations of RGCs with fluorescent dyes and tracers, such as horseradish peroxidase1-4. However, these methods are too coarse to provide insight into developmental changes in individual RGC axonal arbor morphology that are the basis of retinotopic map formation. They also do not allow for the genetic manipulation of RGCs.
Recently, electroporation has become an effective method for providing precise spatial and temporal control for delivery of charged molecules into the retina5-11. Current retinal electroporation protocols do not allow for genetic manipulation and tracing of retinofugal projections of a single or small cluster of RGCs in postnatal mice. It has been argued that postnatal in vivo electroporation is not a viable method for transfecting RGCs since the labeling efficiency is extremely low and hence requires targeting at embryonic ages when RGC progenitors are undergoing differentiation and proliferation6. 
In this video we describe an in vivo electroporation protocol for targeted delivery of genes, shRNA, and fluorescent dextrans to murine RGCs postnatally. This technique provides a cost effective, fast and relatively easy platform for efficient screening of candidate genes involved in several aspects of neural development including axon retraction, branching, lamination, regeneration and synapse formation at various stages of circuit development. In summary we describe here a valuable tool which will provide further insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sensory map development.

Transfection of Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells by in vivo Electroporation

We demonstrate an in vivo electroporation protocol for transfecting single or small clusters of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and other retinal cell types in postnatal mice over a wide range of ages. The ability to label and genetically manipulate postnatal RGCs in vivo is a powerful tool for developmental studies.

Trasfezione delle cellule gangliari della retina di topo In vivo Elettroporazione

The targeting and refinement of RGC projections to the midbrain is a popular and powerful model system for studying how precise patterns of neural ...

Ricerca

Neuroscienze

Functional Neuroimaging Using Ultrasonic Blood-brain Barrier Disruption and Manganese-enhanced MRI

Although mice are the dominant model system for studying the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neuroscience, functional neuroimaging in mice remains technically challenging. One approach, Activation-Induced Manganese-enhanced MRI (AIM MRI), has been used successfully to map neuronal activity in rodents 1-5. In AIM MRI, Mn2+ acts a calcium analog and accumulates in depolarized neurons 6,7. Because Mn2+ shortens the T1 tissue property, regions of elevated neuronal activity will enhance in MRI. Furthermore, Mn2+ clears slowly from the activated regions; therefore, stimulation can be performed outside the magnet prior to imaging, enabling greater experimental flexibility. However, because Mn2+ does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the need to open the BBB has limited the use of AIM MRI, especially in mice.
One tool for opening the BBB is ultrasound. Though potentially damaging, if ultrasound is administered in combination with gas-filled microbubbles (i.e., ultrasound contrast agents), the acoustic pressure required for BBB opening is considerably lower. This combination of ultrasound and microbubbles can be used to reliably open the BBB without causing tissue damage 8-11.
Here, a method is presented for performing AIM MRI by using microbubbles and ultrasound to open the BBB. After an intravenous injection of perflutren microbubbles, an unfocused pulsed ultrasound beam is applied to the shaved mouse head for 3 minutes. For simplicity, we refer to this technique of BBB Opening with Microbubbles and UltraSound as BOMUS 12. Using BOMUS to open the BBB throughout both cerebral hemispheres, manganese is administered to the whole mouse brain. After experimental stimulation of the lightly sedated mice, AIM MRI is used to map the neuronal response.
To demonstrate this approach, herein BOMUS and AIM MRI are used to map unilateral mechanical stimulation of the vibrissae in lightly sedated mice 13. Because BOMUS can open the BBB throughout both hemispheres, the unstimulated side of the brain is used to control for nonspecific background stimulation. The resultant 3D activation map agrees well with published representations of the vibrissae regions of the barrel field cortex 14. The ultrasonic opening of the BBB is fast, noninvasive, and reversible; and thus this approach is suitable for high-throughput and/or longitudinal studies in awake mice.

A technique is described for broadly opening the blood-brain barrier in the mouse using microbubbles and ultrasound. Using this technique, manganese can be administered to the mouse brain. Because manganese is an MRI contrast agent that accumulates in depolarized neurons, this approach enables imaging of neuronal activity.

Neuroimaging funzionale con l&#39;impiego dell&#39;ecografia emato-encefalica e la barriera di Turbativa del Manganese-enhanced MRI

Although mice are the dominant model system for studying the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neuroscience, functional neuroimaging in mice remains ...

In vivo Interrogation of Central Nervous System Translatome by Polyribosome Fractionation

Multiple processes are involved in gene expression including transcription, translation and stability of mRNAs and proteins. Each of these steps are tightly regulated, affecting the final dynamics of protein abundance. Various regulatory mechanisms exist at the translation step, rendering mRNA levels alone an unreliable indicator of gene expression. In addition, local regulation of mRNA translation has been particularly implicated in neuronal functions, shifting &#39;translatomics&#39; to the focus of attention in neurobiology. The presented method can be used to bridge transcriptomics and proteomics.
Here we describe essential modifications to the technique of polyribosome fractionation, which interrogates the translatome based on the association of actively translated mRNAs to multiple ribosomes and their differential sedimentation in sucrose gradients. Traditionally, working with in vivo samples, particularly of the central nervous system (CNS), has proven challenging due to the restricted amounts of material and the presence of fatty tissue components. In order to address this, the described protocol is specifically optimized for use with minimal amount of CNS material, as demonstrated by the use of single mouse spinal cord and brain. Briefly, CNS tissues are extracted and translating ribosomes are immobilized on mRNAs with cycloheximide. Myelin flotation is then performed to remove lipid rich components. Fractionation is performed on a sucrose gradient where mRNAs are separated according to their ribosomal loading. Isolated fractions are suitable for a range of downstream assays, including new genome wide assay technologies.

In vivo Interrogation of Central Nervous System Translatome by Polyribosome Fractionation

This protocol illustrates essential modifications of polyribosome fractionation in order to study the translatome of in vivo CNS samples. It allows global assessment of translation and transcription regulation through the isolation and comparison of total RNA to ribosome bound RNA fractions.

In vivo Interrogatorio del Sistema Nervoso Centrale Translatome da Polyribosome Frazionamento

Multiple processes are involved in gene expression including transcription, translation and stability of mRNAs and proteins. Each of these steps are ...

Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intact Vomeronasal Organ and Accessory Olfactory Bulb

The mouse accessory olfactory system (AOS) is a specialized sensory pathway for detecting nonvolatile social odors, pheromones, and kairomones. The first neural circuit in the AOS pathway, called the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), plays an important role in establishing sex-typical behaviors such as territorial aggression and mating. This small (&#60;1 mm3) circuit possesses the capacity to distinguish unique behavioral states, such as sex, strain, and stress from chemosensory cues in the secretions and excretions of conspecifics. While the compact organization of this system presents unique opportunities for recording from large portions of the circuit simultaneously, investigation of sensory processing in the AOB remains challenging, largely due to its experimentally disadvantageous location in the brain. Here, we demonstrate a multi-stage dissection that removes the intact AOB inside a single hemisphere of the anterior mouse skull, leaving connections to both the peripheral vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) and local neuronal circuitry intact. The procedure exposes the AOB surface to direct visual inspection, facilitating electrophysiological and optical recordings from AOB circuit elements in the absence of anesthetics. Upon inserting a thin cannula into the vomeronasal organ (VNO), which houses the VSNs, one can directly expose the periphery to social odors and pheromones while recording downstream activity in the AOB. This procedure enables controlled inquiries into AOS information processing, which can shed light on mechanisms linking pheromone exposure to changes in behavior.

Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intact Vomeronasal Organ and Accessory Olfactory Bulb

The mouse accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) has been difficult to study in the context of sensory coding. Here, we demonstrate a dissection that produces an ex vivo preparation in which AOB neurons remain functionally connected to their peripheral inputs, facilitating research into information processing of mouse pheromones and kairomones.

Ex Vivo preparati della lampadina vomeronasale Organo e accessori olfattivo intatto

The mouse accessory olfactory system (AOS) is a specialized sensory pathway for detecting nonvolatile social odors, pheromones, and kairomones. The first ...

Simultaneous Two-photon In Vivo Imaging of Synaptic Inputs and Postsynaptic Targets in the Mouse Retrosplenial Cortex

This video shows the craniotomy procedure that allows chronic imaging of neurons in the mouse retrosplenial cortex (RSC) using in vivo two-photon microscopy in Thy1-GFP transgenic mouse line. This approach creates a possibility to investigate the correlation of behavioural manipulations with changes in neuronal morphology in vivo.
The cranial window implantation procedure was considered to be limited only to the easily accessible cortex regions such as the barrel field. Our approach allows visualization of neurons in the highly vascularized RSC. RSC is an important element of the brain circuit responsible for spatial memory, previously deemed to be problematic for in vivo two-photon imaging.
The cranial window implantation over the RSC is combined with an injection of mCherry-expressing recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAVmCherry) into the dorsal hippocampus. The expressed mCherry spreads out to axonal projections from the hippocampus to RSC, enabling the visualization of changes in both presynaptic axonal boutons and postsynaptic dendritic spines in the cortex. 
This technique allows long-term monitoring of experience-dependent structural plasticity in RSC.

Simultaneous Two-photon In Vivo Imaging of Synaptic Inputs and Postsynaptic Targets in the Mouse Retrosplenial Cortex

This video shows the craniotomy procedure that allows chronic imaging of neurons in mouse retrosplenial cortex using in vivo two photon microscopy in Thy1-GFP transgenic line. This approach is combined with injection of mCherry-expressing adeno-associated virus into dorsal hippocampus. These techniques allow long-term monitoring of experience-dependent structural plasticity in RSC.

Simultanea a due fotoni<em&gt; In Vivo</em&gt; Imaging di Synaptic ingressi e degli obiettivi postsinaptici nella corteccia mouse retrosplenial

This video shows the craniotomy procedure that allows chronic imaging of neurons in the mouse retrosplenial cortex (RSC) using in vivo two-photon ...

Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices

Optogenetic approaches are now widely used to study the function of neural populations and circuits by combining targeted expression of light-activated proteins and subsequent manipulation of neural activity by light. Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated cation-channels and when fused to a fluorescent protein their expression allows for visualization and concurrent activation of specific cell types and their axonal projections in defined areas of the brain. Via stereotactic injection of viral vectors, ChR fusion proteins can be constitutively or conditionally expressed in specific cells of a defined brain region, and their axonal projections can subsequently be studied anatomically and functionally via ex vivo optogenetic activation in brain slices. This is of particular importance when aiming to understand synaptic properties of connections that could not be addressed with conventional electrical stimulation approaches, or in identifying novel afferent and efferent connectivity that was previously poorly understood. Here, a few examples illustrate how this technique can be applied to investigate these questions to elucidating fear-related circuits in the amygdala. The amygdala is a key region for acquisition and expression of fear, and storage of fear and emotional memories. Many lines of evidence suggest that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) participates in different aspects of fear acquisition and extinction, but its precise connectivity with the amygdala is just starting to be understood. First, it is shown how ex vivo optogenetic activation can be used to study aspects of synaptic communication between mPFC afferents and target cells in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Furthermore, it is illustrated how this ex vivo optogenetic approach can be applied to assess novel connectivity patterns using a group of GABAergic neurons in the amygdala, the paracapsular intercalated cell cluster (mpITC), as an example.

Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices

Optogenetic approaches are widely used to manipulate neural activity and assess the consequences for brain function. Here, a technique is outlined that&#160;upon in vivo expression of the optical activator Channelrhodopsin, allows for ex vivo analysis of synaptic properties of specific long range and local neural connections in fear-related circuits.

Ex Vivo optogenetic dissezione di circuiti paura nel cervello fette

Optogenetic approaches are now widely used to study the function of neural populations and circuits by combining targeted expression of light-activated ...

Ex Vivo Pressurized Hippocampal Capillary-Parenchymal Arteriole Preparation for Functional Study

From subtle behavioral alterations to late-stage dementia, vascular cognitive impairment typically develops following cerebral ischemia. Stroke and cardiac arrest are remarkably sexually dimorphic diseases, and both induce cerebral ischemia. However, progress in understanding the vascular cognitive impairment, and then developing sex-specific treatments, has been partly limited by challenges in investigating the brain microcirculation from mouse models in functional studies. Here, we present an approach to examine the capillary-to-arteriole signaling in an ex vivo hippocampal capillary-parenchymal arteriole (HiCaPA) preparation from mouse brain. We describe how to isolate, cannulate, and pressurize the microcirculation to measure arteriolar diameter in response to capillary stimulation. We show which appropriate functional controls can be used to validate the HiCaPA preparation integrity and display typical results, including testing potassium as a neurovascular coupling agent and the effect of the recently characterized inhibitor of the Kir2 inward rectifying potassium channel family, ML133. Further, we compare the responses in preparations obtained from male and female mice. While these data reflect functional investigations, our approach can also be used in molecular biology, immunochemistry, and electrophysiology studies.

The present manuscript details how to isolate hippocampal arterioles and capillaries from the mouse brain and how to pressurize them for pressure myography, immunofluorescence, biochemistry, and molecular studies.

Ex Vivo Pressurizzato Ippocampo Capillary-Parenchymal Arteriole Preparazione per lo Studio Funzionale

From subtle behavioral alterations to late-stage dementia, vascular cognitive impairment typically develops following cerebral ischemia. Stroke and ...

Transpupillary Two-Photon In Vivo Imaging of the Mouse Retina

The retina transforms light signals from the environment into electrical signals that are propagated to the brain. Diseases of the retina are prevalent and cause visual impairment and blindness. Understanding how such diseases progress is critical to formulating new treatments. In vivo&#160;microscopy in animal models of disease is a powerful tool for understanding neurodegeneration and has led to important progress towards treatments of conditions ranging from Alzheimer&#39;s disease to stroke. Given that the retina is the only central nervous system structure inherently accessible by optical approaches, it naturally lends itself towards in vivo imaging. However, the native optics of the lens and cornea present some challenges for effective imaging access.
This protocol outlines methods for in vivo two-photon imaging of cellular cohorts and structures in the mouse retina at cellular resolution, applicable for both acute- and chronic-duration imaging experiments. It presents examples of retinal ganglion cell (RGC), amacrine cell, microglial, and vascular imaging using a suite of labeling techniques including adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, transgenic mice, and inorganic dyes. Importantly, these techniques extend to all cell types of the retina, and suggested methods for accessing other cellular populations of interest are described. Also detailed are example strategies for manual image postprocessing for display and quantification. These techniques are directly applicable to studies of retinal function in health and disease.

In vivo imaging is a powerful tool for the study of biology in health and disease. This protocol describes transpupillary imaging of the mouse retina with a standard two-photon microscope. It also demonstrates different in vivoimaging methods to fluorescently label multiple cellular cohorts of the retina.

Transpupillare Due fotoni In vivo Imaging della retina del topo

The retina transforms light signals from the environment into electrical signals that are propagated to the brain. Diseases of the retina are prevalent ...

Optimizing the Setup and Conditions for Ex Vivo Electroretinogram to Study Retina Function in Small and Large Eyes

Measurements of retinal neuronal light responses are critical to investigating the physiology of the healthy retina, determining pathological changes in retinal diseases, and testing therapeutic interventions. The ex vivo electroretinogram (ERG) allows the quantification of contributions from individual cell types in the isolated retina by addition of specific pharmacological agents and evaluation of tissue-intrinsic changes independently of systemic influences. Retinal light responses can be measured using a specialized ex vivo ERG specimen holder and recording setup, modified from existing patch clamp or microelectrode array equipment. Particularly, the study of ON-bipolar cells, but also of photoreceptors, has been hampered by the slow but progressive decline of light responses in the ex vivo ERG over time. Increased perfusion speed and adjustment of the perfusate temperature improve ex vivo retinal function and maximize response amplitude and stability. The ex vivo ERG uniquely allows the study of individual retinal neuronal cell types. In addition, improvements to maximize response amplitudes and stability allow the investigation of light responses in retina samples from large animals, as well as human donor eyes, making the ex vivo ERG a valuable addition to the repertoire of techniques used to investigate retinal function.

Optimizing the Setup and Conditions for Ex Vivo Electroretinogram to Study Retina Function in Small and Large Eyes

Modification of existing multielectrode array or patch clamp equipment makes the ex vivo electroretinogram more widely accessible. Improved methods to record and maintain ex vivo light responses facilitate the study of photoreceptor and ON-bipolar cell function in the healthy retina, animal models of eye diseases, and human donor retinas.

Ottimizzazione della configurazione e delle condizioni per l'elettroretinogramma ex vivo per studiare la funzione della retina in occhi piccoli e grandi

Measurements of retinal neuronal light responses are critical to investigating the physiology of the healthy retina, determining pathological changes in ...

Ex Vivo Release of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide from the Trigeminovascular System in Rodents

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was first discovered in the 1980s as a splice variant from the calcitonin gene. Since its discovery, its role in migraine pathophysiology has been well established, first by its potent vasodilator properties and subsequently by its presence and function as a neurotransmitter in the sensory trigeminovascular system. The migraine-provoking ability of CGRP gave support to the pharma industry to develop monoclonal antibodies and antagonists inhibiting the effect of CGRP. A new treatment paradigm has proven effective in the prophylactic treatment of migraine. One of the useful tools to further understand migraine mechanisms is the ex vivo model of CGRP release from the trigeminovascular system. It is a relatively simple method that can be used with various pharmacological tools to achieve know-how to further develop new effective migraine treatments. The present protocol describes a CGRP release model and the technique to quantify the effect of pharmacological agents on the amount of CGRP released from the trigeminovascular system in rodents. A procedure describing the experimental approach from euthanasia to the measurement of protein levels is provided. The essential isolation of the trigeminal ganglion and the trigeminal nucleus caudalis from both mice and rats and the preparation of rat dura mater are described in detail. Furthermore, representative results from both species (rats and mice) are presented. The technique is a key tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in migraine pathophysiology by using various pharmacological compounds and genetically modified animals.

Ex Vivo Release of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide from the Trigeminovascular System in Rodents

The present protocol describes the ex vivo calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release model and the strategy to quantify the effect of pharmacological agents on the amount of CGRP released from the trigeminovascular system in rodents.

Ex Vivo Rilascio di peptide correlato al gene della calcitonina dal sistema trigeminovascolare nei roditori

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was first discovered in the 1980s as a splice variant from the calcitonin gene. Since its discovery, its role in ...