dual-electrode lfp recordings in the mouse hippocampus and prefrontal cortex using a custom-designed headstage

LFP Recording in Mouse Brain for Cognitive Research and Drug Analysis

Local field potentials (LFPs) refer to the electrical activity recorded from the extracellular space, reflecting the collective activity of a localized group of neurons. They exhibit a diverse range of frequencies, spanning from slow waves at 1 Hz to fast oscillations at 100 Hz or 200 Hz. Specific frequency bands have been associated with cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and decision making1,2. Changes in LFP properties have been used as biomarkers for various neurological disorders, including dementia and schizophrenia3,4. Analyzing LFP recordings can offer valuable insights into the underlying pathological mechanisms associated with these conditions and potential therapeutic strategies.
Dual LFP recording is a technique used to measure localized electrical activity within and between two specific brain regions. This technique provides a valuable opportunity to investigate the intricate neural dynamics and signal communication occurring within and between distinct brain regions. Prior studies have revealed that detecting alterations in the neuronal properties of individual brain regions can be complex, but changes in interregional cortical communication can be observed5,6. Therefore, the utilization of dual LFP recording offers a potent means to address this issue.
Hippocampal-prefrontal connectivity plays a crucial role in modulating cognitive functions, and dysfunction has been linked to various neurological disorders7,8. Dual electrode recordings of these regions can provide information about these interactions. Unfortunately, there is limited information available on methods for performing dual electrode LFP recordings between these areas. Moreover, commercially available recording devices are generally expensive and lack adaptability to specific experimental designs. The conventional method for recording LFPs involves using a shielded cable to connect the recording device to electrodes implanted in an animal's brain. However, this approach is susceptible to motion artifacts and environmental noise, impacting the quality and reliability of the recorded signals.
This protocol describes a comprehensive procedure for performing dual-electrode LFP recordings in the mouse hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, using a low-cost custom-designed headstage that can be placed on the animal's head. These methods enable researchers to investigate region-specific oscillatory patterns within two discrete cerebral regions and explore interregional information exchange and connectivity between these areas.

Author Spotlight: Studying Drug Impacts on Brain Signals Using Dual LFP Recording Protocol in Mice

Dual Extracellular Recordings in the Mouse Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex

This study presents a comprehensive protocol for performing dual-electrode LFP recordings in the mouse hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex to investigate the effects of drugs on LFP properties in these areas. This protocol provides a low-cost and ultra-light brain signal recording device that is fully optimized for cognitive research in mice. This study provides a means to record signals with high signal-noise ratios in different brain regions, facilitating the investigation of interregional information communication within the brain.

Dual-Electrode LFP Recordings in the Mouse Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex Using a Custom-Designed Headstage

dual-electrode-lfp-recordings-mouse-hippocampus-prefrontal-cortex

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

The technique of recording local field potentials (LFPs) is an electrophysiological method used to measure the electrical activity of localized neuronal populations. It serves as a crucial tool in cognitive research, particularly in brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Dual LFP recordings between these areas are of particular interest as they allow the exploration of interregional signal communication. However, methods for performing these recordings are rarely described, and most commercial recording devices are either expensive or lack adaptability to accommodate specific experimental designs. This study presents a comprehensive protocol for performing dual-electrode LFP recordings in the mouse hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex to investigate the effects of antipsychotic drugs and potassium channel modulators on LFP properties in these areas. The technique enables the measurement of LFP properties, including power spectra within each brain region and coherence between the two. Additionally, a low-cost, custom-designed recording device has been developed for these experiments. In summary, this protocol provides a means to record signals with high signal-to-noise ratios in different brain regions, facilitating the investigation of interregional information communication within the brain.

This protocol outlines the use of a custom-designed recording device and electrodes to record local field potentials and investigate information flow in the mouse hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

The technique of recording local field potentials (LFPs) is an electrophysiological method used to measure the electrical activity of localized neuronal ...