Name: whole-cell patch-clamp recordings for electrophysiological determination of ion selectivity in channelrhodopsins
Uploaded: 2017-05-22T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings for Electrophysiological Determination of Ion Selectivity in Channelrhodopsins at JoVE.com

We thank Maila Reh, Tharsana Tharmalingam and especially Altina Klein for excellent technical assistance. This work was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) (SFB1078 B2, FOR1279 SPP1665 to P. H.) and the Cluster of Excellence Unifying Concepts in Catalysis, UniCat, BIG-NSE (J.V.) and E4 (P.H.).

<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/55497/55497fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Patch-clamp Setup. (1) Light source, (2) optic fiber, (3) programmable shutter, (4) digitizer, (5) shutter driver, (6) amplifier, (7) perfusion system, (8) personal computer, (9) monitor, (10) faraday cage, (11) microscope stage, (12) perfusion inlet, (13) perfusion outlet, (14) recording chamber, (15) fluid level sensor, (16) bath electrode with agar bridge, (17) pipette holder, (18) heads...

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Determination of reversal potentials at defined ionic and electrical conditions provides information about the ion species transported after light activation of ChRs. If exclusively one ion species is varied in a complex physiological medium and the obtained reversal potential shifts according to the theoretical Nernst potential, this ion species is the only transported one.
However, for ChRs, reversal potential shifts are usually less pronounced than expected from the Nernst equation due to p...

Channelrhodopsins (ChR) are light-gated ion channels that occur in the eye spot of motile green algae, and serve as primary photosensors for phototaxis and phobic responses1. Since their first description in 20022, ChRs have paved the way for the emerging field of optogenetics and can be applied in a variety of excitable cells e.g. within skeletal muscles, the heart, or the brain3,4,5. Expression of ChRs in target cells results in light-controllable ion permeability of the respective cell. In a neuronal context, this allows activation6,7,8 or inhibition9,10 of action potential (AP) firing &#8211; depending on the conducted ion &#8211; with the spatial and temporal precision of light emphasizing how the ion selectivity of a ChR variant determines its optogenetic application.
The first discovered ChRs from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Volvox carteri are permeable to protons, but also to monovalent cations like sodium, potassium, and to a lesser extent to divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium11,12,13. Today, more than 70 natural cation-conducting channelrhodopsins (CCRs)14,15,16,17 and several engineered variants18,19,20 with different properties such as photocurrent size, spectral sensitivity, kinetics, and cation selectivity are available. Whereas in neuroscience, CCRs are used to activate cells and trigger APs, light-driven microbial pumps were the only available antagonists for silencing neurons for years. In 2014, two groups simultaneously showed that CCRs can be converted into anion-conducting channelrhodopsins (ACRs) by alteration of the polarity along the putative ion conducting pore via molecular engineering9,21. Subsequently, natural ACRs were identified in several cryptophyte alga22,23,24. Most importantly, light activation of ACRs mediates chloride currents in adult neurons allowing inhibition of neuronal activity at much lower light intensities than microbial pumps that only transport single charges per absorbed photon.
ChR activity can be directly addressed by electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings of light-induced currents in HEK293 cells. The patch-clamp technique was originally developed in the late 1970s25 and further improved by Hamill et al., allowing the recording of the entity of currents from a small cell (whole cell mode) with high current resolution and direct control of the membrane voltage26. Applied in cell culture, this technique provides accurate control of the ionic as well as electrical recording conditions, and enables studying ion selectivity along with the relative contribution of the ions to the total current. Here we exemplify the examination of ion selectivity for the anion-conducting channelrhodopsin of Proteomonas sulcata (PsACR1)22,23 via the recording of current-voltage relations under various extracellular chloride concentrations to prove high chloride conductance.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr >
			<td >HEK293 cells</td>
			<td >Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td >85120602</td>
			<td >Human embryonic kidney cells</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Retinal</td>
			<td >Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>R2500</td>
			<td>all-trans retinal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >FuGENE HD</td>
			<td >Promega</td>
			<td>E2312</td>
			<td>Transfection reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >DMEM</td>
			<td >Biochrome</td>
			<td>FG 0445</td>
			<td>Dulbecco&#39;s Modified Eagle Medium</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Agarose</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>3810</td>
			<td>Agar bridges</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >CaCl2</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>5239</td>
			<td>CaCl2 2H2O</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >CsCl</td>
			<td >Biomol</td>
			<td>2452</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >EGTA</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>3054</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >FBS</td>
			<td >Biochrome</td>
			<td>S0615</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Glucose</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>HN06</td>
			<td>D(+)-Glucose</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >KCl</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>6781</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >MgCl2</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>2189</td>
			<td>MgCl2 6H2O</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >NaCl</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>3957</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >NMG</td>
			<td >Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>M2004</td>
			<td>N-Methyl-D-glucamine</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Na-Aspartate</td>
			<td >Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>A6683</td>
			<td>L-Aspartic acid sodium salt monohydrate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Citric acid</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>6490</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >AgeI</td>
			<td >ThermoFischerScientific</td>
			<td>ER1462</td>
			<td>Restriction enzyme</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >XhoI</td>
			<td >ThermoFischerScientific</td>
			<td>ER0695</td>
			<td>Restriction enzyme</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >NheI</td>
			<td >ThermoFischerScientific</td>
			<td>ER0975</td>
			<td>Restriction enzyme</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >XL1Blue E.coli/</td>
			<td >Agilent Technologies</td>
			<td>200249</td>
			<td>Chemocompetent E.coli</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Kanamycin</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>T832</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Lysogeny broth medium</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>X964</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Agar-Agar</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>6494</td>
			<td>Agar plates</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Plasmid purification kit</td>
			<td >Marchery-Nagel</td>
			<td>740727.25</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Penicilin/Streptomycin</td>
			<td >Biochrome</td>
			<td>A 2213</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Poly-D-lysine hydrobromide</td>
			<td >Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>P6407-5MG</td>
			<td>Cover slip coating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Microforge</td>
			<td >Custom made</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Fire polishing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Serological pipettes</td>
			<td >TPP</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Different sizes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Clean bench</td>
			<td >Kojair</td>
			<td>Biowizard SL130</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Stirrer</td>
			<td >IKA</td>
			<td>RCT classic</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Silver wire</td>
			<td >Science Products</td>
			<td>AG-T25; AG-T10</td>
			<td>Electrodes, 0.64 mm (bath); 0.25 mm (electrode)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >pH-meter</td>
			<td >Knick</td>
			<td>765 Calimetric</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Osmometer</td>
			<td >Vogel</td>
			<td>OM 815</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Microscope</td>
			<td >Carl Zeiss</td>
			<td>ID03</td>
			<td>Fire polishing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >CO2 incubator</td>
			<td >Binder</td>
			<td>CB150</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Cell culture dishes</td>
			<td >TPP</td>
			<td>93040</td>
			<td>34 mm internal diameter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Cover slips</td>
			<td >Roth</td>
			<td>P232</td>
			<td>15 mm diameter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Thermometer</td>
			<td >R&#246;ssel Messtechnik</td>
			<td>MTM12</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Beamsplitter</td>
			<td >Chroma</td>
			<td>21011</td>
			<td>90/10 transmission</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Pipette holder</td>
			<td>ALA Scientific Instruments</td>
			<td>PPH-1P-AXU-0-1.5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Headstage</td>
			<td >Molecular Devices</td>
			<td>CV203BU</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Amplifier</td>
			<td >Molecular Devices</td>
			<td >AxoPatch200B</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Digitizer</td>
			<td >Molecular Devices</td>
			<td >DigiData1400</td>
			<td>Digital analog converter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Lightsource</td>
			<td >TILL Photonics</td>
			<td >Polychrome V</td>
			<td>Set to 540 nm full intensity</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Microscope</td>
			<td >Carl Zeiss</td>
			<td >Axiovert 100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Shutter</td>
			<td >Vincent Associates</td>
			<td >VS25</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Shutter driver</td>
			<td >Vincent Associates</td>
			<td >VCM-D1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Glass capilarries</td>
			<td >Warner Instruments</td>
			<td>G150F-3</td>
			<td >Boresilicate capillaries with fire polished ends OD 1.5 mm ID&#160; 0.86 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Micropipette puller</td>
			<td >Sutter Instruments</td>
			<td >P1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Bath handler</td>
			<td >Lorenz Messger&#228;tebau</td>
			<td >MPCU</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Tripleband filterset</td>
			<td >Chroma</td>
			<td>69008</td>
			<td>Fluorescence filter&#160; ECFP/EYFP/mCherry&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >CCD camera</td>
			<td >Watec</td>
			<td >Wat-221SCCD</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Optometer</td>
			<td >Gigahertz Optik</td>
			<td >P9710</td>
			<td>Measure light intensities</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Objective</td>
			<td >Carl Zeiss</td>
			<td>421462-9900-000</td>
			<td >W Plan-Apochromat 40X/1.0 DIC</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Micromanipulator</td>
			<td >Scientifica</td>
			<td>PatchStar</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Recording chamber</td>
			<td >Custom made</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Power supply</td>
			<td >Manson</td>
			<td>HCS-3202</td>
			<td>Avoids electrical noise from microscope built-in power supply</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Vibration isolated table</td>
			<td >Newport</td>
			<td>M-VW-3636-OPT-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Faraday cage</td>
			<td >Custom made or any commercial matching table</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Hoses</td>
			<td >Any comercial; e.g. Roth</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Different sizes and materials for bath handling and application of pipette pressure; agar bridges</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Linear shaker</td>
			<td >Sunlab Instruments</td>
			<td>SU 1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Liquid junction potential calculator</td>
			<td >Molecular Devices or directly from Peter H. Barry</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Program is included in the Clampex aquisition software or can be obtained from&#160; p.barry@unsw.edu.au</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Data acquisition software</td>
			<td >Molecular Devices</td>
			<td>Clampex 10.X</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Data evaluation software</td>
			<td >Molecular Devices</td>
			<td>Clampfit 10.X</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >PsACR1</td>
			<td>GenBank or Addgene</td>
			<td >KF992074.1 or Addgene plasmid #85465</td>
			<td>Gene encoding for PsACR1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Amplifier guide</td>
			<td >Molecular Devices</td>
			<td>The Axon Guide</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

whole-cell patch-clamp recordings for electrophysiological determination of ion selectivity in channelrhodopsins

Over the past decade, channelrhodopsins became indispensable in neuroscientific research where they are used as tools to non-invasively manipulate electrical processes in target cells. In this context, ion selectivity of a channelrhodopsin is of particular importance. This article describes the investigation of chloride selectivity for a recently identified anion-conducting channelrhodopsin of Proteomonas sulcata via electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings on HEK293 cells. The experimental procedure for measuring light-gated photocurrents demands a fast switchable &#8211; ideally monochromatic &#8211; light source coupled into the microscope of an otherwise conventional patch-clamp setup. Preparative procedures prior to the experiment are outlined involving preparation of buffered solutions, considerations on liquid junction potentials, seeding and transfection of cells, and pulling of patch pipettes. The actual recording of current-voltage relations to determine the reversal potentials for different chloride concentrations takes place 24 h to 48 h after transfection. Finally, electrophysiological data are analyzed with respect to theoretical considerations of chloride conduction.

Figure 2 shows representative results obtained from measurements following the described protocol. During illumination with green light, PsACR1 features a fast transient current which rapidly decays to a stationary current level. After light is switched off, photocurrents decay to zero within milliseconds (Figure 2A). Exchanging the extracellular chloride concentration causes a shift of the reversal potential that can be directly seen in the acqu...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings for Electrophysiological Determination of Ion Selectivity in Channelrhodopsins at JoVE.com

Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings for Electrophysiological Determination of Ion Selectivity in Channelrhodopsins

This article describes how the ion selectivity of channelrhodopsin is determined with electrophysiological whole-cell patch-clamp recordings using HEK293 cells. Here, the experimental procedure for investigating chloride selectivity of an anion-selective channelrhodopsin is demonstrated. However, the procedure is transferable to other channelrhodopsins of distinct selectivity.

Over the past decade, channelrhodopsins became indispensable in neuroscientific research where they are used as tools to non-invasively manipulate ...

The overall goal of this experiment is to determine chloride selectivity of new light-gated ion channels. This method can answer key questions in the biophysics of channelrhodopsins such as photocurrent amplitudes, kinetics and ion selectivity. The main advantage of this technique is the direct readout of biophysical channel activity that is fast and easy to replicate.Generally individuals new to this method will struggle because each step of the experimental procedure from the preparation of HEK cells to the recording of photocurrents has to be optimized. Seeding and transection of the HEK cells will be demonstrated by Altina Klein. To begin this procedure, weigh the solid components for 100 milliliters of the intracellular and 500 milliliters of the extracellular buffered solutions in separate beakers.And then add the respective amount of the prepared stock solutions. Next add ultrapure water and carefully adjust the pH using acids and bases. Then adjust the osmolarity with glucose to 290 milliosmoles and 320 milliosmoles for the intracellular and extracellular solutions, respectively.In this procedure place up to three lysine-coated glass cover slips side-by-side in a 35-millimeter Petri dish. Then seed 1.5 times 10 to the fifth HEK cells in two milliliters of standard DMEM supplemented with 10%FBS and one micromolar retinol in each dish. To transfect the cells for each dish, prepare a solution of two micrograms of plasmid DNA in 250 microliters of DMEM without FBS and six microliters of transfection reagent.After 15 minutes of incubation, gently add the solution to the cells. Before measuring, pull some low resistance patch pipettes using a micropipette puller and fire polish them. Store the pipettes in a dust-free container for the day of measurement.30 minutes prior to recordings, turn on all the setup components to heat up to the working temperature. Ensure that the buffers are at room temperature. To begin, seal the measuring chamber with silicon to prevent leakage of the external buffer.Then place one coverslip into the chamber and close it. Fill the chamber carefully with extracellular buffer to prevent the cells from detaching. Store the Petri dish with other cover slips in an incubator for the next set of experiments.Then place the measuring chamber under the microscope using the 40X objective for cell visualization. Next put an Auger bridge over the bath electrode and place it into the chamber together with the fluid level sensor and the perfusion outlet of the bath handler. Exchange the extracellular solution twice with one milliliter of fresh external solution to remove the residual culture medium and the detached cells.Bring the cells into focus and search for a transfected cell which needs to be isolated from other cells. Then use a triple band filter set and orange light to excite and visualize mCherry. Next, fill one of the pulled pipettes with the intracellular solution.And remove the air bubbles by flipping the pipette several times. Afterward mount the pipette on the pipette holder and apply some positive pressure to prevent tip clogging. Locate the tip of the patch pipette under the microscope and navigate it close to the cell using the micromanipulator.Within the data acquisition software start the membrane test in Bath mode and apply a voltage step. Check if the pipette resistance is in the desired range of 1.3 to 3.0 megaohms. Then zero the offset currents and adjust the pipette potential by turning the pipette offset knob on the amplifier.To establish a patch in the whole-cell configuration, slowly approach the cell with the patch pipette from the top and release the positive pressure right before touching the cell. Sometimes the cell-attached configuration forms itself after that. After approaching the cell, change the membrane test from Bath mode to Patch mode.Compensate the pipette capacitance by turning the pipette capacitance compensation knob to get a flat response of the test pulse. Switch the membrane test to Cell mode. Then rupture the patch without destroying the seal by applying short pulses of negative pressure or negative pressure with increasing strength to obtain whole-cell confirmation.Start series resistance compensation by setting the two whole-cell parameters, cell capacitance and series resistance. In the series resistance compensation panel turn on prediction and correction up to 90%Then turn the whole-cell compensation switch on and adjust the whole-cell parameters in an iterative way to obtain an ideally flat test seal response. After establishing whole-cell configuration, wait at least two minutes before recording to ensure sufficient replacement of intracellular solution through the patch pipette.Record light-induced currents at different holding potentials. Next exchange the extracellular buffer to low chloride in the chamber at least five times without destroying the patch and record another current voltage relation at the new chloride concentration. This figure shows that during the illumination with green light, PsACR1 features a fast transient current which rapidly decays to a stationary current level.After the light is switched off, photocurrents decay to zero within milliseconds. Reducing the extracellular chloride concentration completely abolishes outward directed photo currents. Exchanging the extracellular chloride concentration causes a shift of the reversal potential that can be deduced from a current voltage plot.The evaluation of reversal potentials from multiple measurements quantifies the dramatic reversal potential shift caused by the variation of external chloride concentration. Strikingly, the measured reversal potentials directly correspond to the calculated Nernst potentials for chloride which confirms the high chloride selectivity of PsACR1. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to perform electrophysiological recordings of light-induced photocurrents on HEK cells expressing channelrhodopsin.Once mastered, the whole procedure can be done in four days while the recording of photocurrents take several hours. Complementing this procedure, site-directed mutagenesis and spectroscopic methods can be performed to further elucidate structural features and cellular mechanisms of channelrhodopsins. The characterization and molecular engineering of channelrhodopsin paved the way for researchers in neuroscience to manipulate the excitability of selected neurons by light.

whole-cell-patch-clamp-recordings-for-electrophysiological

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

Patch Clamp Recordings in Inner Ear Hair Cells Isolated from Zebrafish

Patch clamp analyses of the voltage-gated channels in sensory hair cells isolated from a variety of species have been described previously1-4 but this video represents the first application of those techniques to hair cells from zebrafish. Here we demonstrate a method to isolate healthy, intact hair cells from all of the inner ear end-organs: saccule, lagena, utricle and semicircular canals. Further, we demonstrate the diversity in hair cell size and morphology and give an example of the kinds of patch clamp recordings that can be obtained. The advantage of the use of this zebrafish model system over others stems from the availability of zebrafish mutants that affect both hearing and balance. In combination with the use of transgenic lines and other techniques that utilize genetic analysis and manipulation, the cell isolation and electrophysiological methods introduced here should facilitate greater insight into the roles hair cells play in mediating these sensory modalities.

The purpose of this video is to demonstrate procedures for obtaining healthy, intact hair cells from the inner ear organs of adult zebrafish and then using them for patch clamp studies aimed at characterizing the biophysical properties of their voltage-gated channels.

Patch  clamp analyses of the voltage-gated channels in sensory hair cells isolated  from a variety of species have been described previously1-4 but this  ...

Whole Cell Patch Clamp for Investigating the Mechanisms of Infrared Neural Stimulation

It has been demonstrated in recent years that pulsed, infrared laser light can be used to elicit electrical responses in neural tissue, independent of any further modification of the target tissue. Infrared neural stimulation has been reported in a variety of peripheral and sensory neural tissue in vivo, with particular interest shown in stimulation of neurons in the auditory nerve. However, while INS has been shown to work in these settings, the mechanism (or mechanisms) by which infrared light causes neural excitation is currently not well understood. The protocol presented here describes a whole cell patch clamp method designed to facilitate the investigation of infrared neural stimulation in cultured primary auditory neurons. By thoroughly characterizing the response of these cells to infrared laser illumination in vitro under controlled conditions, it may be possible to gain an improved understanding of the fundamental physical and biochemical processes underlying infrared neural stimulation.

Infrared nerve stimulation has been proposed as an alternative to electrical stimulation in a range of nerve types, including those associated with the auditory system. This protocol describes a patch clamp method for studying the mechanism of infrared nerve stimulation in a culture of primary auditory neurons.

It has been  demonstrated in recent years that pulsed, infrared laser light can be used to  elicit electrical responses in neural tissue, independent of ...

Patch Clamp Recordings from Embryonic Zebrafish Mauthner Cells

Mauthner cells (M-cells) are large reticulospinal neurons located in the hindbrain of teleost fish. They are key neurons involved in a characteristic behavior known as the C-start or escape response that occurs when the organism perceives a threat. The M-cell has been extensively studied in adult goldfish where it has been shown to receive a wide range of excitatory, inhibitory and neuromodulatory signals1. We have been examining M-cell activity in embryonic zebrafish in order to study aspects of synaptic development in a vertebrate preparation. In the late 1990s Ali and colleagues developed a preparation for patch clamp recording from M-cells in zebrafish embryos, in which the CNS was largely intact2,3,4. The objective at that time was to record synaptic activity from hindbrain neurons, spinal cord neurons and trunk skeletal muscle while maintaining functional synaptic connections within an intact brain-spinal cord preparation. This preparation is still used in our laboratory today. To examine the mechanisms underlying developmental synaptic plasticity, we record excitatory (AMPA and NMDA-mediated)5,6 and inhibitory (GABA and glycine) synaptic currents from developing M-cells. Importantly, this unique preparation allows us to return to the same cell (M-cell) from preparation to preparation to carefully examine synaptic plasticity and neuro-development in an embryonic organism. The benefits provided by this preparation include 1) intact, functional synaptic connections onto the M-cell, 2) relatively inexpensive preparations, 3) a large supply of readily available embryos 4) the ability to return to the same cell type (i.e. M-cell) in every preparation, so that synaptic development at the level of an individual cell can be examined from fish to fish, and 5) imaging of whole preparations due to the transparent nature of the embryos.

We have developed an intact brain-spinal cord preparation to record and monitor electrical activity via patch clamp recording from the Mauthner neurons and other reticulospinal cells in zebrafish embryos. Thus, we are able to record excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents, voltage-gated channel activity and action potentials from key neurons in a developing embryo.

Mauthner cells (M-cells) are large  reticulospinal neurons located in the hindbrain of teleost fish. They are key  neurons involved in a characteristic ...

Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings from Morphologically- and Neurochemically-identified Hippocampal Interneurons

GABAergic inhibitory interneurons play a central role within neuronal circuits of the brain. Interneurons comprise a small subset of the neuronal population (10-20%), but show a high level of physiological, morphological, and neurochemical heterogeneity, reflecting their diverse functions. Therefore, investigation of interneurons provides important insights into the organization principles and function of neuronal circuits. This, however, requires an integrated physiological and neuroanatomical approach for the selection and identification of individual interneuron types. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording from acute brain slices of transgenic animals, expressing fluorescent proteins under the promoters of interneuron-specific markers, provides an efficient method to target and electrophysiologically characterize intrinsic and synaptic properties of specific interneuron types. Combined with intracellular dye labeling, this approach can be extended with post-hoc morphological and immunocytochemical analysis, enabling systematic identification of recorded neurons. These methods can be tailored to suit a broad range of scientific questions regarding functional properties of diverse types of cortical neurons.

Cortical networks are controlled by a small, but diverse set of inhibitory interneurons. Functional investigation of interneurons therefore requires targeted recording and rigorous identification. Described here is a combined approach involving whole-cell recordings from single or synaptically-coupled pairs of neurons with intracellular labeling, post-hoc morphological and immunocytochemical analysis.

GABAergic inhibitory interneurons play a central role within neuronal circuits of the brain. Interneurons comprise a small subset of the neuronal ...

Electrophysiological and Morphological Characterization of Neuronal Microcircuits in Acute Brain Slices Using Paired Patch-Clamp Recordings

The combination of patch clamp recordings from two (or more) synaptically coupled neurons (paired recordings) in acute brain slice preparations with simultaneous intracellular biocytin filling allows a correlated analysis of their structural and functional properties. With this method it is possible to identify and characterize both pre- and postsynaptic neurons by their morphology and electrophysiological response pattern. Paired recordings allow studying the connectivity patterns between these neurons as well as the properties of both chemical and electrical synaptic transmission. Here, we give a step-by-step description of the procedures required to obtain reliable paired recordings together with an optimal recovery of the neuron morphology. We will describe how pairs of neurons connected via chemical synapses or gap junctions are identified in brain slice preparations. We will outline how neurons are reconstructed to obtain their 3D morphology of the dendritic and axonal domain and how synaptic contacts are identified and localized. We will also discuss the caveats and limitations of the paired recording technique, in particular those associated with dendritic and axonal truncations during the preparation of brain slices because these strongly affect connectivity estimates. However, because of the versatility of the paired recording approach it will remain a valuable tool in characterizing different aspects of synaptic transmission at identified neuronal microcircuits in the brain.

Patch-clamp recordings and simultaneous intracellular biocytin filling of synaptically coupled neurons in acute brain slices allow a correlated analysis of their structural and functional properties. The aim of this protocol is to describe the essential technical steps of electrophysiological recording from neuronal microcircuits and their subsequent morphological analysis.

The combination of patch clamp recordings from two (or more) synaptically coupled neurons (paired recordings) in acute brain slice preparations with ...

Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recordings in Brain Slices

Whole-cell patch-clamp recording is an electrophysiological technique that allows the study of the&#160;electrical properties of a substantial part of the neuron. In this configuration, the micropipette is in tight contact with the cell membrane, which prevents current leakage and thereby provides more accurate ionic current measurements than the previously used intracellular sharp electrode recording method. Classically, whole-cell recording can be performed on neurons in various types of preparations, including cell culture models, dissociated neurons, neurons in brain slices, and in intact anesthetized or awake animals. In summary, this technique has immensely contributed to the understanding of passive and active biophysical properties of excitable cells. A major advantage of this technique is that it provides information on how specific manipulations (e.g., pharmacological, experimenter-induced plasticity) may alter specific neuronal functions or channels in real-time. Additionally, significant opening of the plasma membrane allows the internal pipette solution to freely diffuse into the cytoplasm, providing means for introducing drugs, e.g., agonists or antagonists of specific intracellular proteins, and manipulating these targets without altering their functions in neighboring cells. This article will focus on whole-cell recording performed on neurons in brain slices,&#160;a preparation that has the advantage of recording neurons in relatively well preserved brain circuits, i.e., in a physiologically relevant context. In particular,&#160;when combined with appropriate pharmacology, this technique is a powerful tool allowing identification of specific neuroadaptations that occurred following any type of experiences, such as learning, exposure to drugs of abuse, and stress. In summary, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in brain slices provide means to measure in ex vivo preparation long-lasting changes in neuronal functions that have developed in intact awake animals.

This protocol describes basic procedural steps for performing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. This technique allows the study of&#160;the electrical behavior of neurons, and when performed in brain slices, allows the assessment of various neuronal functions from neurons that are still integrated in relatively well preserved brain circuits.

Whole-cell patch-clamp recording is an electrophysiological technique that allows the study of the&#160;electrical properties of a substantial part of the ...

Electrophysiological Method for Whole-cell Voltage Clamp Recordings from Drosophila Photoreceptors

Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings from Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptors have revolutionized the field of invertebrate visual transduction, enabling the use of D. melanogaster molecular genetics to study inositol-lipid signaling and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels at the single-molecule level. A handful of labs have mastered this powerful technique, which enables the analysis of the physiological responses to light under highly controlled conditions. This technique allows control over the intracellular and extracellular media; the membrane voltage; and the fast application of pharmacological compounds, such as a variety of ionic or pH indicators, to the intra- and extracellular media. With an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio, this method enables the measurement of dark spontaneous and light-induced unitary currents (i.e.&#160;spontaneous and quantum bumps) and macroscopic Light-induced Currents (LIC) from single D. melanogaster photoreceptors. This protocol outlines, in great detail, all the key steps necessary to perform this technique, which includes both electrophysiological and optical recordings. The fly retina dissection procedure for the attainment of intact and viable ex vivo isolated ommatidia in the bath chamber is described. The equipment needed to perform whole-cell and fluorescence imaging measurements are also detailed. Finally, the pitfalls in using this delicate preparation during extended experiments are explained.

Electrophysiological Method for Whole-cell Voltage Clamp Recordings from Drosophila Photoreceptors

Whole-cell recordings from Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptors enable the measurement of spontaneous dark bumps, quantum bumps, macroscopic responses to light, and current-voltage relationships under various conditions. In combination with D. melanogaster genetic manipulation tools, this method enables the study of the ubiquitous inositol-lipid signaling pathway and its target, the TRP channel.

Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings from Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptors have revolutionized the field of invertebrate visual transduction, ...

Auditory Brainstem Response and Outer Hair Cell Whole-cell Patch Clamp Recording in Postnatal Rats

The outer hair cell is one of the two types of sensory hair cells in the mammalian cochlea. They alter their cell length with the receptor potential to amplify the weak vibration of low-level sound signal. The morphology and electrophysiological property of outer hair cells (OHCs) develop in early postnatal ages. The maturation of outer hair cell may contribute to the development of the auditory system. However, the process of OHCs development is not well studied. This is partly because of the difficulty to measure their function by an electrophysiological approach. With the purpose of developing a simple method to address the above issue, here we describe a step-by-step protocol to study the function of OHCs in acutely dissociated cochlea from postnatal rats. With this method, we can evaluate the cochlear response to pure tone stimuli and examine the expression level and function of the motor protein prestin in OHCs. This method can also be used to investigate the inner hair cells (IHCs).

This protocol describes methods to record the auditory brainstem response from postnatal rat pups. To examine the functional development of outer hair cells, the experimental procedure of whole-cell patch clamp recording in isolated outer hair cells is described step-by-step.

The outer hair cell is one of the two types of sensory hair cells in the mammalian cochlea. They alter their cell length with the receptor potential to ...

Preparations and Protocols for Whole Cell Patch Clamp Recording of Xenopus laevis Tectal Neurons

The Xenopus tadpole retinotectal circuit, comprised of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eye which form synapses directly onto neurons in the optic tectum, is a popular model to study how neural circuits self-assemble. The ability to carry out whole cell patch clamp recordings from tectal neurons and to record RGC-evoked responses, either in vivo or using a whole brain preparation, has generated a large body of high-resolution data about the mechanisms underlying normal, and abnormal, circuit formation and function. Here we describe how to perform the in vivo preparation, the original whole brain preparation, and a more recently developed horizontal brain slice preparation for obtaining whole cell patch clamp recordings from tectal neurons. Each preparation has unique experimental advantages. The in vivo preparation enables the recording of the direct response of tectal neurons to visual stimuli projected onto the eye. The whole brain preparation allows for the RGC axons to be activated in a highly controlled manner, and the horizontal brain slice preparation allows recording from across all layers of the tectum.

Preparations and Protocols for Whole Cell Patch Clamp Recording of Xenopus laevis Tectal Neurons

In this paper, we discuss three brain preparations used for whole cell patch clamp recording to study the retinotectal circuit of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Each preparation, with its own specific advantages, contributes to the experimental tractability of the Xenopus tadpole as a model to study neural circuit function.

The Xenopus tadpole retinotectal circuit, comprised of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eye which form synapses directly onto neurons in the optic ...

Preparation of Acute Spinal Cord Slices for Whole-cell Patch-clamp Recording in Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons

Recent whole-cell patch-clamp studies from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons have provided a large body of information about the spinal mechanisms underlying sensory transmission, nociceptive regulation, and chronic pain or itch development. Implementations of electrophysiological recordings together with morphological studies based on the utility of acute spinal cord slices have further improved our understanding of neuronal properties and the composition of local circuitry in SG. Here, we present a detailed and practical guide for the preparation of spinal cord slices and show representative whole-cell recording and morphological results. This protocol permits ideal neuronal preservation and can mimic in vivo conditions to a certain extent. In summary, the ability to obtain an in vitro preparation of spinal cord slices enables stable current- and voltage-clamp recordings and could thus facilitate detailed investigations into the intrinsic membrane properties, local circuitry and neuronal structure using diverse experimental approaches.

Here, we describe the essential steps for whole-cell patch-clamp recordings made from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in the in vitro spinal cord slice. This method allows the intrinsic membrane properties, synaptic transmission and morphological characterization of SG neurons to be studied.

Recent whole-cell patch-clamp studies from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons have provided a large body of information about the spinal mechanisms ...