Name: simultaneous recording of electroretinography and visual evoked potentials in anesthetized rats
Uploaded: 2016-07-01T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Simultaneous Recording of Electroretinography and Visual Evoked Potentials in Anesthetized Rats at JoVE.com

Funding for this project was provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 1046203 (BVB, AJV) and Melbourne Neuroscience Institute Fellowship (CTN).

All experimental procedures were conducted according to the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, set out by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia. Ethics clearance was obtained from the University of Melbourne, Science Faculty, Animal Ethics Committee (approval number 0911322.1).
1. Pre-implantation of Chronic VEP Electrodes
Note: If concurrent ERG and VEP signals are to be collected animals must be surgically implanted with VEP electrode...

<ol>
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The ERG and VEP are objective measures of visual function from the retina and cortex, respectively. The advantage of simultaneous recording is that a more comprehensive view of the entire visual pathway is afforded. Specifically, the complementary information from their concurrent assessment could provide a clearer delineation of the site of injury in the visual pathway (e.g., for disorders with overlapping ERG yet distinct VEP manifestations18, when optic neuropathy may co-exist with primary cerebral...

Measurement of the electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) provide useful quantitative assessments of the integrity of the visual pathway. The ERG measures the electrical responses of the retina to light stimulation, while the VEP measures the corresponding functional integrity of the visual pathways from the retina to the primary visual cortex following the same light event. This manuscript describes a protocol for the recording and analysis of ERG and VEP responses in a commonly used laboratory model, the rat.
The ERG provides an index of the functional integrity of a number of key retinal cell classes by quantifying the retina&#39;s gross electrical response to a flash of light. A coordinated series of ionic fluxes initiated by light onset and offset, produce detectable changes in voltage that can be measured using surface electrodes placed outside the eye. The resultant waveform represents the combination of a series of well-defined components, differing in amplitude, timing and frequency. A substantial body of research has shown that these components are relatively well conserved across many vertebrate retinae and that the components can be separated from each other. By judiciously selecting the stimulus (flash stimulus, background, interstimulus interval) conditions and choosing specific features of the composite waveform to analyze one can be confident of returning a measure of a specific group of retinal cells1,2. These characteristics underlie the utility and hence the widespread applications of the ERG as a non-invasive measure of retina function. This manuscript focuses on the methodology for measuring the ERG and analyzing its features to return information about some of the major cell classes in the retina, namely photoreceptors (the PIII component), bipolar cells (the PII component) and retinal ganglion cells (the positive scotopic threshold response or pSTR).
The VEP provides an assay of the cortical response to light; first originating from the retina and thereafter communicated serially via the optic nerve, optic tract, thalamus (lateral geniculate nucleus, LGN) and optic radiation to area V1 of the cortex3. In rodents, the majority (90 - 95%) of optic nerve fibers from each eye decussate4 and innervate the contralateral mid-brain. Unlike the ERG, it is as yet not possible to attribute different components of the VEP to specific cell classes,5 thus changes anywhere along the visual pathway could affect the VEP waveform. Nevertheless, the VEP is a useful non-invasive measure of visual performance and visual pathway integrity. The VEP, when used in conjunction with the ERG, can provide a more complete assessment of the visual system (i.e., retina/visual pathway).
ERG and VEP recordings can be conducted in isolation or in combination, depending on the application. The methodology described in this paper allows simultaneous assessment of retinal and cortical visual evoked electrophysiology from both eyes and both hemispheres in anesthetized rats. This is a useful way to more comprehensively assess retinal function and the upstream effects that changes in retinal function can have on visual evoked cortical function.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Alligator clip</td>
			<td>generic brand</td>
			<td>HM3022</td>
			<td>Stainless steel 26 mm clip for connecting VEP screw electrodes to cables</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bioamplifier</td>
			<td>ADInstruments</td>
			<td>ML 135</td>
			<td>For amplifying ERG and VEP signals</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 1.0%</td>
			<td>Allergan</td>
			<td>CAS 0009000-11-7</td>
			<td>Viscous fluid for improving signal quality of the active ERG electrode</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carprofen 0.5%</td>
			<td>Pfizer Animal Health Group</td>
			<td>CAS 53716-49-7</td>
			<td>Proprietary name: Rimadyl injectable (50 mg/mL). For post-surgery analgesia, diluted to 0.5% (5 mg/mL) in normal saline</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chlorhexadine 0.5%</td>
			<td>Orion Laboratories</td>
			<td>27411, 80085</td>
			<td>For disinfecting surgical instruments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Circulating water bath</td>
			<td>Lauda-K&#246;nigshoffen</td>
			<td>MGW Lauda</td>
			<td>For maintaining body temperature of the anesthetized animal during surgery and electrophysiological recordings</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dental amalgam</td>
			<td>DeguDent GmbH</td>
			<td>64020024</td>
			<td>For encasing the electrode-skull assembly to make it more robust</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dental burr</td>
			<td>Storz Instruments, Bausch and Lomb</td>
			<td>#E0824A</td>
			<td>A miniature drill head of ~0.7mm diameter for making a small hole in the skull over each hemisphere to implant VEP screws</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Drill</td>
			<td>Bosch</td>
			<td>Dremel 300 series</td>
			<td>An automatic drill for trepanning</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electrode lead</td>
			<td>Grass Telefactor&#160;</td>
			<td>F-E2-30</td>
			<td>Platinum cables for connecting silver wire electrodes to the amplifier</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Faraday Cage</td>
			<td>custom-made</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Ensures light proof to maintain dark adaptation. Encloses the Ganzfeld setup to improve signal to noise ratio</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gauze swabs</td>
			<td>Multigate Medical Products Pty Ltd</td>
			<td>57-100B</td>
			<td>For drying the surgical incision and exposed skull surface during surgery</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ganzfeld integrating sphere</td>
			<td>Photometric Solutions International</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Custom designed light stimulator: 36 mm diameter, 13 cm aperture size</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Velcro</td>
			<td>VELCRO Australia Pty Ltd</td>
			<td>VELCRO Brand Reusable Wrap</td>
			<td>Hook-and-loop fastener to secure the electrodes and the animal on the recording platform</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane 99.9%</td>
			<td>Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd</td>
			<td>CAS 26675-46-7</td>
			<td>Proprietary Name: Isoflo(TM) Inhalation anaaesthetic. Pharmaceutical-grade inhalation anesthetic mixed with oxygen gas for VEP electrode implant surgery</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ketamine&#160;</td>
			<td>Troy Laboratories</td>
			<td>Ilium Ketamil</td>
			<td>Proprietary name: Ketamil Injection, Brand: Ilium. Pharmaceutical-grade anesthetic for electrophysiological recording</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Luxeon LEDs</td>
			<td>Phillips Lighting Co.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>For light stimulation twenty 5 watt and one 1 watt LEDs.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micromanipulator</td>
			<td>Harvard Apparatus</td>
			<td>BS4 50-2625</td>
			<td>Holds the ERG active electrode during recordings</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle electrode</td>
			<td>Grass Telefactor&#160;</td>
			<td>F-E2-30</td>
			<td>Subcutaneously inserted in the tail to serve as the ground electrode for both the ERG and VEP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phenylephrine 2.5% minims&#160;</td>
			<td>Bausch and Lomb</td>
			<td>CAS 61-76-7</td>
			<td>Instilled with Tropicamide to achieve maximal dilation for ERG recording</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Povidone iodine 10%</td>
			<td>Sanofi-Aventis</td>
			<td>CAS 25655-41-8</td>
			<td>Proprietory name: Betadine, Antiseptic to prepare the shaved skin for surgery 10%, 500 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Powerlab data acquisition system</td>
			<td>ADInstruments</td>
			<td>ML 785</td>
			<td>Controls the LEDs</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Proxymetacaine 0.5%</td>
			<td>Alcon Laboratories&#160;</td>
			<td>CAS 5875-06-9</td>
			<td>For corneal anaesthesia during ERG recordings</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Saline solution</td>
			<td>Gelflex</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Non-injectable, for electroplating silver wire electrodes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scope Software</td>
			<td>ADInstruments</td>
			<td>version 3.7.6</td>
			<td>Simultaneously triggers the stimulus via the Powerlab system and collects data</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silver (fine round wire)</td>
			<td>A&#38;E metal</td>
			<td>0.3 mm</td>
			<td>Used to make active and inactive ERG electrodes, and the inactive VEP electrode</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless streel screws&#160;</td>
			<td>MicroFasterners</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>0.7 mm shaft diameter, 3 mm in length to be implanted over the primary visual cortex and serve as the active VEP electrodes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereotaxic frame</td>
			<td>David Kopf</td>
			<td>Model 900</td>
			<td>A small animal stereotaxic instrument for locating the primary visual cortices according to Paxinos &#38; Watson&#39;s 2007 rat brain atlas coordinates</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical blade</td>
			<td>Swann-Morton Ltd.</td>
			<td>0206</td>
			<td>For incising the area of skin overlaying the primary visual cortex to implant the VEP electrodes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Suture</td>
			<td>Shanghai Pudong Jinhuan Medical Products Co.,Ltd</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>3-0 silk braided suture non-absorbable, for skin retraction during VEP electrode implantation surgery</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tobramycine eye ointment 0.3%</td>
			<td>Alcon Laboratories&#160;</td>
			<td>CAS 32986-56-4</td>
			<td>Proprietary name: Tobrex. Prophylactic antibiotic ointment applied around the skin wound after surgery</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tropicamide 0.5%</td>
			<td>Alcon Laboratories&#160;</td>
			<td>CAS 1508-75-4</td>
			<td>Proprietary name: 0.5% Mydriacyl eye drop, Instilled to achieve mydriasis for ERG recording</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylazine</td>
			<td>Troy Laboratories</td>
			<td>Ilium Xylazil-100</td>
			<td>Pharmaceutical-grade anesthetic for electrophysiological recording</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipette tip&#160;</td>
			<td>Eppendorf Pty Ltd</td>
			<td>0030 073.169</td>
			<td>Eppendorf epTIPS 100 - 5000 mL, for custom-made electrodes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microsoft Office Excel</td>
			<td>Microsoft</td>
			<td>version 2010</td>
			<td>spreadsheet software for data analysis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lethabarb Euthanazia Injection</td>
			<td>Virbac (Australia) Pty Ltd</td>
			<td>LETHA450</td>
			<td>325 mg/mL pentobarbital sodium for rapid euthanazia</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

simultaneous recording of electroretinography and visual evoked potentials in anesthetized rats

The electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) are commonly used to assess the integrity of the visual pathway. The ERG measures the electrical responses of the retina to light stimulation, while the VEP measures the corresponding functional integrity of the visual pathways from the retina to the primary visual cortex following the same light event. The ERG waveform can be broken down into components that reflect responses from different retinal neuronal and glial cell classes. The early components of the VEP waveform represent the integrity of the optic nerve and higher cortical centers. These recordings can be conducted in isolation or together, depending on the application. The methodology described in this paper allows simultaneous assessment of retinal and cortical visual evoked electrophysiology from both eyes and both hemispheres. This is a useful way to more comprehensively assess retinal function and the upstream effects that changes in retinal function can have on visual evoked cortical function.

The ERG a-wave (&#62; -1.38 log cd.s.m-2), b-waves (&#62; - 4.99 log cd.s.m-2) STRs (&#60; - 4.99 log cd.s.m-2) and the VEPs (&#62; - 0.52 log cd.s.m-2) were recorded simultaneously (Figure 1 and 3). At very dim flashes, a positive STR (pSTR) is seen at approximately 110 msec after the flash, and a negative STR (nSTR) at approximately 220 msec (Figures 1 and 2). An ERG with a large b-wave, peaks between 50 to 10...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Simultaneous Recording of Electroretinography and Visual Evoked Potentials in Anesthetized Rats at JoVE.com

Simultaneous Recording of Electroretinography and Visual Evoked Potentials in Anesthetized Rats

This protocol describes simultaneous measurement of electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials in anesthetized rats.

The electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) are commonly used to assess the integrity of the visual pathway. The ERG measures the ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to simultaneously measure the electroretinogam and visual evoked potential in a rat. This method can help answer key questions in the field of fissure neuroscience. Such as whether the effect of aging or diseases affect certain components in the visual pathway.The main advantage of this technique is that it allows comprehensive assessment of the retinal function and its upstream affect on the visual evoked cortical function. To begin this procedure, pre-fashion the custom made ERG inactive electrodes by cutting a 70 millimeter length of silver wire and forming a loop of eight millimeters in diameter to encircle the rat eye. Prepare a uniform circle and adjust the size of the loop by shaping it on a one millimeter pipe head tip.This is important because a ring that is too small may inadvertently raise inarticular pressure, where as an oversized ring can increase the variability of signals. Next, pre-fashion the custom made VEP inactive electrode by cutting a 70 millimeter length of silver. And forming an ellipse of eight millimeters in diameter to hook on to the rat incisors.Then, pre-fashion the custom made ERG active electrodes by cutting a 30 millimeter length of silver wire and form a small loop of about one to two millimeters in diameter which is used to gently contact the rat cornea with minimal corneal abrasions. Afterward, securely attach the electrodes to the electrode leads by entwining the silver with the exposed inner wire. Insulate excess exposed metal with masking tape to reduce photo-voltaic artifacts.For the ERG active electrodes, more layers of masking tape can be applied to achieve a thicker and more rigid wrapping so that the electrode is easier to be held with a micro-manipulator. On each ERG inactive electrode, stick a small piece of hook and loop fastener to the masking tape to enable stable attachment to the rodent neck strap. Then, for each VEP active electrode, attach an alligator clip to the inner wire of the electrode lead.Immediately before recordings, electro plate the exposed surfaces of the silver wires with chloride to improve signal conduction. To do so, connect the cathode to the negative terminal of the battery and immerse the other end into the saline. Subsequently, immerse the silver tip on the anode wire into normal saline and connect the other end of this electrode wire, to the positive terminal of a nine volt battery.Disconnect them after 20 seconds and the silver tip of the electrode wire should be coated evenly in white. Repeat the chloriding procedure for all the silver ERG and VEP electrodes. In this procedure, disinfect the shaved area of an anesthetized animal with 10%povidone iodine three times.Make a sagittal incision along the mid-line on the head with a scalpel and excise a 20 millimeter diameter circle of dermal tissue to expose the cranial bone. Next, remove the underlying periosteum by scraping and drying with gauze, to expose the coronal and sagittal cranial sutures. Drill two holes through the skull on both hemispheres.Screw in stainless steel screws into the two premade holes up to a depth of one millimeter to allow firm anchorage. Then, prepare the surgical area for dental amalgam by drying the cranial bone with gauze and retracting the skin with two sutures. Subsequently, spread the dental amalgam over the exposed skull to secure the screw electrodes in place and ensure about 1.5 millimeters of the screws are exposed for recording.After that, remove the retraction sutures. For scotopic recordings, all the procedures are performed in a dark room. For illustration purposes, electrode positioning is conducted under normal room lighting here.The animal was dark adapted fore 12 hours and anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine. After pupil dilatation and topical anesthesia, hook the inactive VEP electrode around the bottom incisors. Then, place the animal on the ERG platform in front of the Ganzfeld bowl situated in the Faraday cage.Secure the animal to the platform with a strip of hook and loop fastener placed firmly but not tightly around the nape. Next, position the ERG inactive electrodes by encircling the sclaral ring non invasively around the eyes equator. Approximately three meters behind the limbus.Stabilize this by attaching the electrode to the hook and loop fastener strip around the nape. Repeat the procedure for contralateral eye. Now, fasten the VEP active electrodes by attaching alligator clips to the stainless steel screws, pre-implanted on the skull.Prior to the ERG active electrode placement, place a small drop of 1%carboxymethylcellulose sodium on the electrode to improve signal quality. Position the ERG active electrodes to lightly touch the central corneal surface using a micro manipulator attached to the custom built stereotaxic arm. Ensure the carboxymethylcellulose sodium only contacts the cornea and not the sclara, by wiping excess fluid away.Then insert two to five millimeters of the stainless steel ground needle electrode, subcutaneously into the tail. Slide the platform closer to the Ganzfeld bowl and ensure the animals eyes align with the opening of the bowl to enable even illumination of both retinas. Subsequently, close the Faraday cage to reduce extraneous noise.Using the above protocol, a stack of ERG wave forms can be recorded in response to a range of stimuli with the dimmest flash shown at the bottom and the brightest at the top. At very dim light levels, scotopic threshold responses can be recorded. With increasing stimulus brightness, the wave forms become dominated by the B wave and then the negative going A wave emerge at the brightest stimuli.The rod photoreceptor function can be assaid by using a P3 to model the A wave. This figure shows that P2 amplitude grows with increasing stimulus energy. Rod bipolar cell function can be assaid by modeling the intensity response theories of the rod P2 with a naka rushtin function.Retinal ganglion cell function is assaid at dim luminous energies and quantified by the pSTR peak amplitude and timing. Cone bipolar cell function is elicited with a paired flash paradime and quantified by cone P2 peak amplitude and timing. Amplitude analysis of the VEP is taken as peak the troph and troph to peak amplitudes which gives the timing of these responses.The amplitude of the VEP wave forms increasing with increasing stimulus energy. When it's mastered, this technique can be done within about 30 to 45 minutes excluding the time for preparing the electrode and placing the electrode and adakadaptation. While attempting this procedure, it is particularly important to pay attention to how accurately you place the electrodes and allow enough time for adakadaptation.Following this procedure, other procedures such as disease modification or therapies can be performed to answer specific questions. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to prepare and place the electrodes as well as how to record and analyze the ERG and the VEP wave forms.

simultaneous-recording-electroretinography-visual-evoked-potentials

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

Simultaneous Electrophysiological Recording and Calcium Imaging of Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Neurons

Simultaneous electrophysiological and fluorescent imaging recording methods were used to study the role of changes of membrane potential or current in regulating the intracellular calcium concentration. Changing environmental conditions, such as the light-dark cycle, can modify neuronal and neural network activity and the expression of a family of circadian clock genes within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the location of the master circadian clock in the mammalian brain. Excitatory synaptic transmission leads to an increase in the postsynaptic Ca2+ concentration that is believed to activate the signaling pathways that shifts the rhythmic expression of circadian clock genes. Hypothalamic slices containing the SCN were patch clamped using microelectrodes filled with an internal solution containing the calcium indicator bis-fura-2. After a seal was formed between the microelectrode and the SCN neuronal membrane, the membrane was ruptured using gentle suction and the calcium probe diffused into the neuron filling both the soma and dendrites. Quantitative ratiometric measurements of the intracellular calcium concentration were recorded simultaneously with membrane potential or current. Using these methods it is possible to study the role of changes of the intracellular calcium concentration produced by synaptic activity and action potential firing of individual neurons. In this presentation we demonstrate the methods to simultaneously record electrophysiological activity along with intracellular calcium from individual SCN neurons maintained in brain slices.

Procedures are described to perform simultaneous recordings of membrane potential or current and changes of intracellular calcium concentration. Suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons are filled with the calcium indicator bis-fura-2 using a patch clamp electrode in the whole cell patch clamp configuration.

Simultaneous electrophysiological and fluorescent imaging recording methods were used to study the role of changes of membrane potential or current in ...

Extracting Visual Evoked Potentials from EEG Data Recorded During fMRI-guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an effective method for establishing a causal link between a cortical area and cognitive/neurophysiological effects. Specifically, by creating a transient interference with the normal activity of a target region and measuring changes in an electrophysiological signal, we can establish a causal link between the stimulated brain area or network and the electrophysiological signal that we record. If target brain areas are functionally defined with prior fMRI scan, TMS could be used to link the fMRI activations with evoked potentials recorded. However, conducting such experiments presents significant technical challenges given the high amplitude artifacts introduced into the EEG signal by the magnetic pulse, and the difficulty to successfully target areas that were functionally defined by fMRI. Here we describe a methodology for combining these three common tools: TMS, EEG, and fMRI. We explain how to guide the stimulator&#39;s coil to the desired target area using anatomical or functional MRI data, how to record EEG during concurrent TMS, how to design an ERP study suitable for EEG-TMS combination and how to extract reliable ERP from the recorded data. We will provide representative results from a previously published study, in which fMRI-guided TMS was used concurrently with EEG to show that the face-selective N1 and the body-selective N1 component of the ERP are associated with distinct neural networks in extrastriate cortex. This method allows us to combine the high spatial resolution of fMRI with the high temporal resolution of TMS and EEG and therefore obtain a comprehensive understanding of the neural basis of various cognitive processes.

This paper describes a method for collecting and analyzing electroencephalography (EEG) data during concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) guided by activations revealed with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A method for TMS artifact removal and extraction of event related potentials is described as well as considerations in paradigm design and experimental setup.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an effective method for establishing a causal link between a cortical area and cognitive/neurophysiological ...

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.

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.

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

Visual Evoked Potential Recording in a Rat Model of Experimental Optic Nerve Demyelination

The visual evoked potential (VEP) recording is widely used in clinical practice to assess the severity of optic neuritis in its acute phase, and to monitor the disease course in the follow-up period. Changes in the VEP parameters closely correlate with pathological damage in the optic nerve. This protocol provides a detailed description about the rodent model of optic nerve microinjection, in which a partial demyelination lesion is produced in the optic nerve. VEP recording techniques are also discussed. Using skull implanted electrodes, we are able to acquire reproducible intra-session and between-session VEP traces. VEPs can be recorded on individual animals over a period of time to assess the functional changes in the optic nerve longitudinally. The optic nerve demyelination model, in conjunction with the VEP recording protocol, provides a tool to investigate the disease processes associated with demyelination and remyelination, and can potentially be employed to evaluate the effects of new remyelinating drugs or neuroprotective therapies.

Focal demyelination is induced in the optic nerve using lysolecithin microinjection. Visual evoked potentials are recorded via skull electrodes implanted over the visual cortex to examine the signal conduction along the visual pathway in vivo. This protocol details the surgical procedures underlying electrode implantation and optic nerve microinjection.

The visual evoked potential (VEP) recording is widely used in clinical practice to assess the severity of optic neuritis in its acute phase, and to ...

Acute In Vivo Electrophysiological Recordings of Local Field Potentials and Multi-unit Activity from the Hyperdirect Pathway in Anesthetized Rats

Converging evidence shows that many neuropsychiatric diseases should be understood as disorders of large-scale neuronal networks. To better understand the pathophysiological basis of these diseases, it is necessary to precisely characterize in which way the processing of information is disturbed between the different neuronal parts of the circuit. Using extracellular in vivo electrophysiological recordings, it is possible to accurately delineate neuronal activity within a neuronal network. The application of this method has several advantages over alternative techniques, e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging and calcium imaging, as it allows a unique temporal and spatial resolution and does not rely on genetically engineered organisms. However, the use of extracellular in vivo recordings is limited since it is an invasive technique that cannot be universally applied. In this article, a simple and easy to use method is presented with which it is possible to simultaneously record extracellular potentials such as local field potentials and multiunit activity at multiple sites of a network. It is detailed how a precise targeting of subcortical nuclei can be achieved using a combination of stereotactic surgery and online analysis of multi-unit recordings. Thus, it is demonstrated, how a complete network such as the hyperdirect cortico-basal ganglia loop can be studied in anesthetized animals in vivo.

Acute In Vivo Electrophysiological Recordings of Local Field Potentials and Multi-unit Activity from the Hyperdirect Pathway in Anesthetized Rats

In this study, the methodology is presented on how to perform multi-site in vivo electrophysiological recordings from the hyperdirect pathway under urethane anesthesia.

Converging evidence shows that many neuropsychiatric diseases should be understood as disorders of large-scale neuronal networks. To better understand the ...

Stimulus-specific Cortical Visual Evoked Potential Morphological Patterns

This paper presents a methodology for the recording and analysis of cortical visual evoked potentials (CVEPs) in response to various visual stimuli using 128-channel high-density electroencephalography (EEG). The specific aim of the described stimuli and analyses is to examine whether it is feasible to replicate previously reported CVEP morphological patterns elicited by an apparent motion stimulus, designed to simultaneously stimulate both ventral and dorsal central visual networks, using object and motion stimuli designed to separately stimulate ventral and dorsal visual cortical networks.&#160; Four visual paradigms are presented: 1. Randomized visual objects with consistent temporal presentation. 2. Randomized visual objects with inconsistent temporal presentation (or jitter).&#160; 3. Visual motion via a radial field of coherent central dot motion without jitter.&#160; 4. Visual motion via a radial field of coherent central dot motion with jitter.&#160; These four paradigms are presented in a pseudo-randomized order for each participant.&#160; Jitter is introduced in order to view how possible anticipatory-related effects may affect the morphology of the object-onset and motion-onset CVEP response.&#160; EEG data analyses are described in detail, including steps of data exportation from and importation to signal processing platforms, bad channel identification&#160;and removal, artifact rejection, averaging, and categorization of average CVEP morphological pattern type based upon latency ranges of component peaks. Representative data show that the methodological approach is indeed sensitive in eliciting differential object-onset and motion-onset CVEP morphological patterns and may, therefore, be useful in addressing the larger research aim. Given the high temporal resolution of EEG and the possible application of high-density EEG in source localization analyses, this protocol is ideal for the investigation of distinct CVEP morphological patterns and the underlying neural mechanisms which generate these differential responses.&#160; &#160; &#160;&#160;

In this paper, we present a protocol to investigate differential cortical visual evoked potential morphological patterns through stimulation of ventral and dorsal networks using high-density EEG. Visual object and motion stimulus paradigms, with and without temporal jitter, are described. Visual evoked potential morphological analyses are also outlined.&#160;&#160;

This paper presents a methodology for the recording and analysis of cortical visual evoked potentials (CVEPs) in response to various visual stimuli using ...

A Method for Tracking the Time Evolution of Steady-State Evoked Potentials

Neural entrainment refers to the synchronization of neural activity to the periodicity of sensory stimuli. This synchronization defines the generation of steady-state evoked responses (i.e., oscillations in the electroencephalogram phase-locked to the driving stimuli). The classic interpretation of the amplitude of the steady-state evoked responses assumes a stereotypical time-invariant neural response plus random background fluctuations, such that averaging over repeated presentations of the stimulus recovers the stereotypical response. This approach ignores the dynamics of the steady-state, as in the case of the adaptation elicited by prolonged exposures to the stimulus. To analyze the dynamics of steady-state responses, it can be assumed that the time evolution of the response amplitude is the same in different stimulation runs separated by sufficiently long breaks. Based on this assumption, a method to characterize the time evolution of steady-state responses is presented. A sufficiently large number of recordings are acquired in response to the same experimental condition. Experimental runs (recordings) are column-wise averaged (i.e., runs are averaged but epoch within recordings are not averaged with the preceding segments). The column-wise averaging allows analysis of steady-state responses in recordings with remarkably high signal-to-noise ratios. Therefore, the averaged signal provides an accurate representation of the time evolution of the steady-state response, which can be analyzed in both the time and frequency domains. In this study, a detailed description of the method is provided, using steady-state visually evoked potentials as an example of a response. Advantages and caveats are evaluated based on a comparison with single-trial methods designed to analyze neural entrainment.

A protocol to assess the time evolution of the neural entrainment to external repetitive stimuli is presented. Steady-state recordings of the same experimental condition are acquired and averaged in the time-domain. The steady-state dynamics are analyzed by plotting the response amplitude as a function of time.

Neural entrainment refers to the synchronization of neural activity to the periodicity of sensory stimuli. This synchronization defines the generation of ...

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns

The present study discusses the characteristics of visual event-related potentials (VEPs) and outlines methodological steps for obtaining reliable measurements in newborns. Obtaining high-quality, reliable VEPs is crucial for the early detection of abnormal development of the central nervous system in at-risk newborns, and for implementing successful early interventions. Recommendations are based on a previous study which showed that when post-conceptional age, polysomnography-identified sleep stages, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) googles as the luminous source are controlled, no more than 4 repetitions of VEP averages are required to obtain replicable recordings, variability decreases, and reliable VEPs can be obtained. By controlling for these sources of variability and using statistical analyses, we were able to clearly and reliably identify the amplitude and latency of three main components (NII, PII and NIII) present in 100% of newborns (n = 20) during active sleep. Recording VEPs during awake states, quiet sleep and transitional sleep is not recommended because VEP morphology may differ significantly from one average to the next, leading to the risk of misleading clinical prognoses. Moreover, it is easier to obtain VEPs during active sleep because this state can be clearly and reliably identified at this stage of development, sleep cycles are short enough to allow measurements to be taken in a reasonable time, and the method does not require new o expensive equipment.

Several important points for obtaining high-quality reliable visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in newborns while minimizing variability and the risk of misleading prognoses are presented.

The present study discusses the characteristics of visual event-related potentials (VEPs) and outlines methodological steps for obtaining reliable ...

Objectively Assessing Sports Concussion Utilizing Visual Evoked Potentials

A portable system capable of measuring steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP) was developed to provide an objective, quantifiable method of electroencephalogram (EEG) testing following a traumatic event. In this study, the portable system was used on 65 healthy rugby players throughout a season to determine whether SSVEP are a reliable electrophysiological biomarker for concussion. Preceding the competition season, all players underwent a baseline SSVEP assessment. During the season, players were re-tested within 72 h of a match for either test-retest reliability or post-injury assessment. In the case of a medically diagnosed concussion, players were reassessed again once deemed recovered by a physician. The SSVEP system consisted of a smartphone housed in a VR-frame delivering a 15 Hz flicker stimulus, while a wireless EEG headset recorded occipital activity. Players were instructed to stare at the screen's fixation point while remaining seated and quiet. Electrodes were arranged according to the 10-20 EEG-positioning nomenclature, with O1-O2 being the recording channels while P1-P2 the references and bias, respectively. All EEG data was processed using a Butterworth bandpass filter, Fourier transformation, and normalization to convert data for frequency analysis. Players SSVEP responses were quantified into a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with 15 Hz being the desired signal, and summarized into respective study groups for comparison. Concussed players were seen to have a significantly lower SNR compared to their baseline; however, post-recovery, their SNR was not significantly different from the baseline. Test-retest indicated high device reliability for the portable system. An improved portable SSVEP system was also validated against an established EEG amplifier to ensure the investigative design is capable of obtaining research quality EEG measurements. This is the first study to identify differences in SSVEP responses in amateur athletes following a concussion and indicates the potential for SSVEP as an aid in concussion assessment and management.

A portable system capable of measuring steady-state visual-evoked potentials was developed and trialed on 65 amateur rugby players over 18 weeks to investigate SSVEP as a potential electrophysiological biomarker for concussion. Players' baselines were measured pre-season, with retesting for reliability, concussion, and recovery assessment being conducted within controlled time-periods, respectively.

A portable system capable of measuring steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP) was developed to provide an objective, quantifiable method of ...

Optrode Array for Simultaneous Optogenetic Modulation and Electrical Neural Recording

During the last decade, optogenetics has become an essential tool for the investigation of neural signaling due to its unique capability of selective neural modulation or monitoring. As specific types of neuronal cells can be genetically modified to express opsin proteins, optogenetics enables optical stimulation or inhibition of the selected neurons. There have been several technological advances in the optical system for optogenetics. Recently, it was proposed to combine the optical waveguide for light delivery with electrophysiological recording to simultaneously monitor the neural responses to optogenetic stimulation or inhibition. In this study, an implantable optrode array (2x2 optical fibers) was developed with embedded multichannel electrodes. 
A light-emitting diode (LED) was employed as a light source, and a microfabricated microlens array was integrated to provide sufficient light power at the tip of the optical fibers. The optrode array system comprises the disposable part and the reusable part. The disposable part has optical fibers and electrodes, while the reusable part has the LED and electronic circuitry for light control and neural signal processing. The novel design of the implantable optrode array system is introduced in the accompanying video in addition to the procedure of the optrode implantation surgery, optogenetic light stimulation, and the electrophysiological neural recording. The results of in vivo experiments successfully showed time-locked neural spikes evoked by the light stimuli from hippocampal excitatory neurons of mice.

Here, we present the fabrication method of an optrode system with optical fibers for light delivery and an electrode array for neural recording. In vivo experiments with transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 show the feasibility of the system for simultaneous optogenetic stimulation and electrophysiological recording.

During the last decade, optogenetics has become an essential tool for the investigation of neural signaling due to its unique capability of selective ...