Name: chronic implantation of whole-cortical electrocorticographic array in the common marmoset
Uploaded: 2019-02-01T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Chronic Implantation of Whole-cortical Electrocorticographic Array in the Common Marmoset at JoVE.com

We thank Yuri Shinomoto for providing animal care, training, and awake recordings. The ECoG arrays were manufactured by Cir-Tech (www.cir-tech.co.jp). Furthermore, we would like to thank Editage (www.editage.jp) for English language editing. This work was supported by the Brain Mapping by Integrated Neurotechnologies for Disease Studies (Brain/MINDS), the Japan Agency for Medical Research and development (AMED) (JP18dm0207001), the Brain Science Project of the Center for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI), the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) (BS291004, M.K.), and by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI (JP17H06034, M.K.).

This protocol has been performed on 6 common marmosets (4 males, 2 females; body weight = 320-470 g; age = 14-53 months). All procedures were carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the National Institutes of Health Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The protocol was approved by the RIKEN Ethical Committee (No. H28-2-221(3)). All surgical procedures were performed under anesthesia, and all efforts were made to minimize the number of animals used as well as their discomfort.
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A., Blumell, S., Kajikawa, Y., Hackett, T. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cortical+connections+of+auditory+cortex+in+marmoset+monkeys:+lateral+belt+and+parabelt+regions.">Cortical connections of auditory cortex in marmoset monkeys: lateral belt and parabelt regions.</a> Anatomical Record. 295 (5), 800-821 (2012).</li><li>Kaas, J. H., Hackett, T. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Subdivisions+of+auditory+cortex+and+processing+streams+in+primates.">Subdivisions of auditory cortex and processing streams in primates.</a> Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 97 (22), 11793-11799 (2000).</li><li>Ghahremani, M., Hutchison, R. M., Menon, R. S., Everling, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Frontoparietal+Functional+Connectivity+in+the+Common+Marmoset.">Frontoparietal Functional Connectivity in the Common Marmoset.</a> Cerebral Cortex. , (2016).</li><li>Belcher, A. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+Connectivity+Hubs+and+Networks+in+the+Awake+Marmoset+Brain.">Functional Connectivity Hubs and Networks in the Awake Marmoset Brain.</a> Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience. 10, 9 (2016).</li><li>Mitchell, J. F., Leopold, D. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+marmoset+monkey+as+a+model+for+visual+neuroscience.">The marmoset monkey as a model for visual neuroscience.</a> Neuroscience Research. 93, 20-46 (2015).</li><li>Solomon, S. G., Rosa, M. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simpler+primate+brain:+the+visual+system+of+the+marmoset+monkey.">A simpler primate brain: the visual system of the marmoset monkey.</a> Frontiers in Neural Circuits. 8, 96 (2014).</li><li>Burman, K. J., Palmer, S. M., Gamberini, M., Rosa, M. 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B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+reproducible+evaluation+of+ANTs+similarity+metric+performance+in+brain+image+registration.">A reproducible evaluation of ANTs similarity metric performance in brain image registration.</a> Neuroimage. 54 (3), 2033-2044 (2011).</li><li>Hashikawa, T., Nakatomi, R., Iriki, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+models+of+the+marmoset+brain.">Current models of the marmoset brain.</a> Neuroscience Research. 93, 116-127 (2015).</li></ol>

For successful implantation, animals should be provided with adequate nutrition before and after surgery. Short operating time is also important to optimize the animal&#39;s recovery. Preparations should be finished at least one day before surgery. To reduce operating time, previous craniotomy training with electrode array insertion in terminated animals for other experimental purposes is recommended.&#160;Table 1 shows an example of the time course for this protocol.
We modif...

Cognition requires the coordination of neural ensembles across widespread brain networks, particularly the neocortex that is well-developed in humans and believed to be involved in higher cognitive behaviors. However, how the neocortex achieves this cognitive behavior is an unsolved issue in the neuroscience field. Recent development of thin, flexible electrocorticographic (ECoG) electrodes enables conduction of stable recordings from large-scale cortical activity1. Fujii and colleagues have developed a whole-cortical ECoG array for macaque monkeys2,3. The array continuously covers almost the entire lateral cortex, from the occipital pole to the temporal and frontal poles, and captures whole-cortical neural activity in one shot. We have further developed this system for application in the common marmoset4,5, a small, new-world monkey with genetic manipulability6,7. This animal has several advantages compared to other species. The visual, auditory, somatosensory, motor, and frontal cortical areas of this species have been previously mapped and reported to have basic homologous organization to the same areas in humans and macaques8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16. Their brains are smooth, and most lateral cortical areas are exposed to the surface of the cortex, which is harder to access with ECoG in macaques. Based on these features, the marmoset is suitable for electrocorticographic studies. Furthermore, marmosets exhibit social behaviors and have been proposed to serve as a candidate model of human social behaviors17.
This protocol describes an epidural implantation procedure of the ECoG array on the whole lateral surface of the cortex in a common marmoset. It provides an opportunity to monitor large-scale cortical activity for primate cortical neuroscience, including sensory, motor, higher cognitive, and social domains.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Beaker (100 cc)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cotton ball</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Absorption triangles</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools Inc.</td>
			<td>18105-03</td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cotton swab with fine tip</td>
			<td>Clean Cross Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td>HUBY340 BB-013</td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gauze</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Towel forceps</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel handle</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle Holder</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iris Scissor</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro-Mosquito Forceps</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adson, 1x2 teeth</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bone Curette</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro spatura</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools Inc.</td>
			<td>10091-12</td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle Holders, 12.5cm, Curved, Smooth Jaws</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>14132</td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vessel Dilator, 12cm, 0.1mm tip</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools Inc.</td>
			<td>18131-12</td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vessel Dilator, 12cm, 0.2 mm tip</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools Inc.</td>
			<td>18132-12</td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fine-tipped rongeur</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools Inc.</td>
			<td>16221-14</td>
			<td>Outocrave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Manipurator of a stereotaxic frame</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wrench for the manipurator</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hand-made fixture for the connector</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silicon cup for dental acril</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silicon cup hlder</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paintbrush</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pencil</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro screw, 1.4 mm x 2.0 mm</td>
			<td>Nippon Chemical Screw Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td>PEEK/MPH-M1.4-L2</td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Screw driver for the micro screw</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micromotor handpiece of a drill</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless steel burr, 1.4 mm</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless steel burr, 1.0 mm</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Drill bit, 1.2 mm</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber air blower</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Gas sterilization</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

chronic implantation of whole-cortical electrocorticographic array in the common marmoset

Electrocorticography (ECoG) allows the monitoring of electrical field potentials from the cerebral cortex with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent development of thin, flexible ECoG electrodes has enabled conduction of stable recordings of large-scale cortical activity. We have developed a whole-cortical ECoG array for the common marmoset. The array continuously covers almost the entire lateral surface of cortical hemisphere, from the occipital pole to the temporal and frontal poles, and it captures whole-cortical neural activity in one shot. This protocol describes a chronic implantation procedure of the array in the epidural space of the marmoset brain. Marmosets have two advantages regarding ECoG recordings, one being the homologous organization of anatomical structures in humans and macaques, including frontal, parietal, and temporal complexes. The other advantage is that the marmoset brain is lissencephalic and contains a large number of complexes, which are more difficult to access in macaques with ECoG, that are exposed to the brain surface.These features allow direct access to most cortical areas beneath the surface of the brain. This system provides an opportunity to investigate global cortical information processing with high resolutions at a sub-millisecond order in time and millimeter order in space.

The whole-cortical ECoG array can simultaneously capture neuronal activity from the entirety of a hemisphere. Figure 4 shows examples of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) from multiple auditory areas in an awake marmoset. ECoG recordings were conducted in passive listening conditions. Each marmoset was exposed to auditory stimuli, which consisted of randomized pure tones with 20 types of frequency. Then, we calculated AEPs by averaging ECoGs aligned with onse...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Chronic Implantation of Whole-cortical Electrocorticographic Array in the Common Marmoset at JoVE.com

Chronic Implantation of Whole-cortical Electrocorticographic Array in the Common Marmoset

We have developed a whole-cortical electrocorticographic array for the common marmoset that continuously covers almost the entire lateral surface of cortex, from the occipital pole to the temporal and frontal poles. This protocol describes a chronic implantation procedure of the array in the epidural space of the marmoset brain.

Electrocorticography (ECoG) allows the monitoring of electrical field potentials from the cerebral cortex with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent ...

This protocol demonstrates the implantation of an electrocorticographic array onto the cortex of a non-human primate. To shed light onto large scale information processing in primate shift neuroscience. The main advantage of this technique is that it provide an opportunity for monitoring large scale cortical activity with high spatial temporal resolution.Begin by making a four centimeter skin incision through the midline of the scalp. Use a curet to detach the temporal muscle from the skull until the entire surgical area is exposed. And clear any tissues from the skull surface.Stop the bleeding completely with pressure hemostasis or bone wax as necessary. Wrap the edge of the skin and muscles with moistened gauze. And place the frontal edge of the array onto the edge of the frontal pole.Use a pencil to mark the area for the planned craniotomy, slits and holes on the skull. And position the dissecting microscope over the surgical area. Drill the craniotomy along mark one.While drilling, blow air at the cutting edge to maintain a clear view for the surgeon, cutting the bone all the way around mark two as the bone piece will still be attached to dura at the center. Slowly and carefully, lift the piece up from one edge. And peel off the dura with a spatula.Remove the bone tips from the bone piece and keep the bone wrapped in moistened gauze until it is returned to the skull at the end of the procedure. Drill at marks three and four to allow the insertion of electrodes into the orbital, frontal, and occipital areas, respectively. Drill slits on mark five to allow confirmation if the array is properly inserted.The dura will now be exposed. Wash the the area with saline and stop bleeding with pressure hemostasis and a gelatin sponge as necessary. Clean the edge of the open craniotomy if needed and make the mark six slits into which the reference electrodes will be placed.Inserting a spatula under the skull to protect the dura matter, use a one millimeter screw to drill screw holes at four points around each stem of the connector. And install peak screws as anchors to fix the connector to the skull. Then, using flathead forceps to hold the array, insert the electrocardiographic array into the epidural space.Place the reference electrodes in the epidural space. Then apply dental acrylic to the reference. Place the ground electrodes on the cranial surface.Then apply dental acrylic to the ground electrode. Put the bone piece back in place, and apply dental acrylic to the screws to fix the connector and head post to the skull. Then, use a 6 O nylon suture to close the skin at the forehead and at the rear of the end.And use skin closures to fix the skin to the sides of the connector. Here, examples of auditory evoked potentials from multiple auditory areas in an awake marmoset are shown. During exposure to randomized pure tones with 20 types of frequency, different wave forms can be observed from lower and higher auditory areas, indicating that the spatial resolution of the electrocardiographic array can capture different information processing in different cortical areas.Option can be virally transduced in the marmoset brain because electrical implantation to enable long term chronic photo stimulation and simultaneous monitoring of the cortical responses.

chronic-implantation-whole-cortical-electrocorticographic-array

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

Surgical Implantation of Chronic Neural Electrodes for Recording Single Unit Activity and Electrocorticographic Signals

The success of long-term electrophysiological recordings often depends on the quality of the implantation surgery. Here we provide useful information for surgeons who are learning the process of implanting electrode systems. We demonstrate the implantation procedure of both a penetrating and a surface electrode. The surgical process is described from start to finish, including detailed descriptions of each step throughout the procedure. It should also be noted that this video guide is focused towards procedures conducted in rodent models and other small animal models. Modifications of the described procedures are feasible for other animal models.

We provide useful information for surgeons who are learning the process of implanting chronic neural recording electrodes. Techniques for both penetrating and surface electrode systems are described in a rodent animal model.

The success of long-term electrophysiological recordings often depends on the quality of the implantation surgery.  Here we provide useful information for ...

Fiber-optic Implantation for Chronic Optogenetic Stimulation of Brain Tissue

Elucidating patterns of neuronal connectivity has been a challenge for both clinical and basic neuroscience. Electrophysiology has been the gold standard for analyzing patterns of synaptic connectivity, but paired electrophysiological recordings can be both cumbersome and experimentally limiting. The development of optogenetics has introduced an elegant method to stimulate neurons and circuits, both in vitro1 and in vivo2,3. By exploiting cell-type specific promoter activity to drive opsin expression in discrete neuronal populations, one can precisely stimulate genetically defined neuronal subtypes in distinct circuits4-6. Well described methods to stimulate neurons, including electrical stimulation and/or pharmacological manipulations, are often cell-type indiscriminate, invasive, and can damage surrounding tissues. These limitations could alter normal synaptic function and/or circuit behavior. In addition, due to the nature of the manipulation, the current methods are often acute and terminal. Optogenetics affords the ability to stimulate neurons in a relatively innocuous manner, and in genetically targeted neurons. The majority of studies involving in vivo optogenetics currently use a optical fiber guided through an implanted cannula6,7; however, limitations of this method include damaged brain tissue with repeated insertion of an optical fiber, and potential breakage of the fiber inside the cannula. Given the burgeoning field of optogenetics, a more reliable method of chronic stimulation is necessary to facilitate long-term studies with minimal collateral tissue damage. Here we provide our modified protocol as a video article to complement the method effectively and elegantly described in Sparta et al.8 for the fabrication of a fiber optic implant and its permanent fixation onto the cranium of anesthetized mice, as well as the assembly of the fiber optic coupler connecting the implant to a light source. The implant, connected with optical fibers to a solid-state laser, allows for an efficient method to chronically photostimulate functional neuronal circuitry with less tissue damage9 using small, detachable, tethers. Permanent fixation of the fiber optic implants provides consistent, long-term in vivo optogenetic studies of neuronal circuits in awake, behaving mice10 with minimal tissue damage.

The development of optogenetics now provides the means to precisely stimulate genetically defined neurons and circuits, both in vitro and in vivo. Here we describe the assembly and implantation of a fiber optic for chronic photostimulation of brain tissue.

Elucidating patterns of neuronal connectivity has been a challenge for both clinical and basic neuroscience. Electrophysiology has been the gold standard ...

Implantation of Chronic Silicon Probes and Recording of Hippocampal Place Cells in an Enriched Treadmill Apparatus

An important requisite for understanding brain function is the identification of behavior and cell activity correlates. Silicon probes are advanced electrodes for large-scale electrophysiological recording of neuronal activity, but the procedures for their chronic implantation are still underdeveloped. The activity of hippocampal place cells is known to correlate with an animal&#39;s position in the environment, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. To investigate place cells, here we describe a set of techniques which range from the fabrication of devices for chronic silicon probe implants to the monitoring of place field activity in a cue-enriched treadmill apparatus. A micro-drive and a hat are built by fitting and fastening together 3D-printed plastic parts. A silicon probe is mounted on the micro-drive, cleaned, and coated with dye. A first surgery is performed to fix the hat on the skull of a mouse. Small landmarks are fabricated and attached to the belt of a treadmill. The mouse is trained to run head-fixed on the treadmill. A second surgery is performed to implant the silicon probe in the hippocampus, following which broadband electrophysiological signals are recorded. Finally, the silicon probe is recovered and cleaned for reuse. The analysis of place cell activity in the treadmill reveals a diversity of place field mechanisms, outlining the benefit of the approach.

We describe the diverse steps to implant chronic silicon probes and to record place cells in mice that are running head-fixed on a cue-enriched treadmill apparatus.

An important requisite for understanding brain function is the identification of behavior and cell activity correlates. Silicon probes are advanced ...

Chronic Implantation of Multiple Flexible Polymer Electrode Arrays

Simultaneous recordings from large populations of individual neurons across distributed brain regions over months to years will enable new avenues of scientific and clinical development. The use of flexible polymer electrode arrays can support long-lasting recording, but the same mechanical properties that allow for longevity of recording make multiple insertions and integration into a chronic implant a challenge. Here is a methodology by which multiple polymer electrode arrays can be targeted to a relatively spatially unconstrained set of brain areas.
The method utilizes thin-film polymer devices, selected for their biocompatibility and capability to achieve long-term and stable&#160;electrophysiologic recording interfaces. The resultant implant allows accurate and flexible targeting of anatomically distant regions, physical stability for months, and robustness to electrical noise. The methodology supports up to sixteen serially inserted devices across eight different anatomic targets. As previously demonstrated, the methodology is capable of recording from 1024 channels. Of these, the 512 channels in this demonstration used for single neuron recording yielded 375 single units distributed across six recording sites. Importantly, this method also can record single units for at least 160 days.
This implantation strategy, including temporarily bracing each device with a retractable silicon insertion shuttle, involves tethering of devices at their target depths to a skull-adhered plastic base piece that is custom-designed for each set of recording targets, and stabilization/protection of the devices within a silicone-filled, custom-designed plastic case. Also covered is the preparation of devices for implantation, and design principles that should guide adaptation to different combinations of brain areas or array designs.

Described below is a method for implantation of multiple polymer electrode arrays across anatomically distant brain regions for chronic electrophysiological recording in freely moving rats. Preparation and surgical implantation are described in detail, with emphasis on design principles to guide adaptation of these methods for use in other species.

Simultaneous recordings from large populations of individual neurons across distributed brain regions over months to years will enable new avenues of ...

Stereotaxic Surgery for Implantation of Microelectrode Arrays in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are small non-human primates that are gaining popularity in biomedical and preclinical research, including the neurosciences. Phylogenetically, these animals are much closer to humans than rodents. They also display complex behaviors, including a wide range of vocalizations and social interactions. Here, an effective stereotaxic neurosurgical procedure for implantation of recording electrode arrays in the common marmoset is described. This protocol also details the pre- and postoperative steps of animal care that are required to successfully perform such a surgery. Finally, this protocol shows an example of local field potential and spike activity recordings in a freely behaving marmoset 1 week after the surgical procedure. Overall, this method provides an opportunity to study the brain function in awake and freely behaving marmosets. The same protocol can be readily used by researchers working with other small primates. In addition, it can be easily modified to allow other studies requiring implants, such as stimulating electrodes, microinjections, implantation of optrodes or guide cannulas, or ablation of discrete tissue regions.

Stereotaxic Surgery for Implantation of Microelectrode Arrays in the Common Marmoset Callithrix jacchus

This work presents a protocol to perform a stereotaxic, neurosurgical implantation of&#160;microelectrode arrays in the common marmoset. This method specifically enables electrophysiological recordings in freely behaving animals but can be easily adapted to any other similar neurosurgical intervention in this species (e.g., cannula for drug administration or electrodes for brain stimulation).

Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are small non-human primates that are gaining popularity in biomedical and preclinical research, including the ...

Preparation of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Electrodes for Chronic Implantation in Rats

Peripheral nerve cuff electrodes have long been used in the neurosciences and related fields for stimulation of, for example, vagus or sciatic nerves. Several recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of chronic VNS in enhancing central nervous system plasticity to improve motor rehabilitation, extinction learning, and sensory discrimination. Construction of chronically implantable devices for use in such studies is challenging due to rats&#8217; small size, and typical protocols require extensive training of personnel and time-consuming microfabrication methods. Alternatively, commercially available implantable cuff electrodes can be purchased at a significantly higher cost. In this protocol, we present a simple, low-cost method for construction of small, chronically implantable peripheral nerve cuff electrodes for use in rats. We validate the short and long-term reliability of our cuff electrodes by demonstrating that VNS in ketamine/xylazine anesthetized rats produces decreases in breathing rate consistent with activation of the Hering-Breuer reflex, both at the time of implantation and up to 10 weeks after device implantation. We further demonstrate the suitability of the cuff electrodes for use in chronic stimulation studies by pairing VNS with skilled lever press performance to induce motor cortical map plasticity.

Existing approaches for constructing chronically implantable peripheral nerve cuff electrodes for use in small rodents often require specialized equipment and/or highly trained personnel. In this protocol we demonstrate a simple, low-cost approach for fabricating chronically implantable cuff electrodes, and demonstrate their effectiveness for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in rats.

Peripheral nerve cuff electrodes have long been used in the neurosciences and related fields for stimulation of, for example, vagus or sciatic nerves. ...

Electrocorticographic Recording of Cerebral Cortex Areas Manipulated Using an Adeno-Associated Virus Targeting Cofilin in Mice

The use of electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings in rodents is relevant to sleep research and to the study of a wide range of neurological conditions. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are increasingly used to improve understanding of brain circuits and their functions. The AAV-mediated manipulation of specific cell populations and/or of precise molecular components has been tremendously useful to identify new sleep regulatory circuits/molecules and key proteins contributing to the adverse effects of sleep loss. For instance, inhibiting activity of the filamentous actin-severing protein&#160;cofilin&#160;using AAV prevents sleep deprivation-induced memory impairment. Here, a protocol is&#160;described that combines the manipulation of cofilin function in a cerebral cortex area with the recording of ECoG activity to examine whether cortical cofilin modulates the wakefulness and sleep ECoG signals. AAV injection is performed during the same surgical procedure as the implantation of ECoG and electromyographic (EMG) electrodes in adult male and female mice. Mice are anesthetized, and their heads are shaved. After skin cleaning and incision, stereotaxic coordinates of the motor cortex are determined, and the skull is pierced at this location. A cannula prefilled with an AAV expressing cofilinS3D, an inactive form of cofilin, is slowly positioned in the cortical tissue. After AAV infusion, gold-covered screws (ECoG electrodes) are screwed through the skull and cemented to the skull with gold wires inserted in the neck muscles (EMG electrodes). The animals are allowed three weeks to recover and to ensure sufficient expression of cofilinS3D. The infected area and cell type are verified using immunohistochemistry, and the ECoG is analyzed using visual identification of vigilance states and spectral analysis. In summary, this combined methodological approach allows the investigation of the precise contribution of molecular components regulating neuronal morphology and connectivity to the regulation of synchronized cerebral cortex activity during wakefulness and sleep.

This article describes a protocol for the manipulation of molecular targets in the cerebral cortex using adeno-associated viruses and for monitoring the effects of this manipulation during wakefulness and sleep using electrocorticographic recordings.

The use of electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings in rodents is relevant to sleep research and to the study of a wide range of neurological conditions. ...

In Vivo Chronic Two-Photon Imaging of Microglia in the Mouse Hippocampus

Microglia, the only immune cells resident in the brain, actively participate in neural circuit maintenance by modifying synapses and neuronal excitability. Recent studies have revealed the differential gene expression and functional heterogeneity of microglia in different brain regions. The unique functions of the hippocampal neural network in learning and memory may be associated with the active roles of microglia in synapse remodeling. However, inflammatory responses induced by surgical procedures have been problematic in the two-photon microscopic analysis of hippocampal microglia. Here, a method is presented that enables the chronic observation of microglia in all layers of the hippocampal CA1 through an imaging window. This method allows the analysis of morphological changes in microglial processes for more than 1 month. Long-term and high-resolution imaging of the resting microglia requires minimally invasive surgical procedures, appropriate objective lens selection, and optimized imaging techniques. The transient inflammatory response of hippocampal microglia may prevent imaging immediately after surgery, but the microglia restore their quiescent morphology within a few weeks. Furthermore, imaging neurons simultaneously with microglia allows us to analyze the interactions of multiple cell types in the hippocampus. This technique may provide essential information about microglial function in the hippocampus.

In Vivo Chronic Two-Photon Imaging of Microglia in the Mouse Hippocampus

This paper describes a method for chronic in vivo observation of the resting microglia in the mouse hippocampal CA1 using precisely controlled surgery and two-photon microscopy.

Microglia, the only immune cells resident in the brain, actively participate in neural circuit maintenance by modifying synapses and neuronal ...

Micro-Drive Implant for Recording Daily Neural Activity in Juvenile Mice

A Lightweight Drive Implant for Chronic Tetrode Recordings in Juvenile Mice

In vivo electrophysiology provides unparalleled insight into the sub-second-level circuit dynamics of the intact brain and represents a method of particular importance for studying mouse models of human neuropsychiatric disorders. However, such methods often require large cranial implants, which cannot be used in mice at early developmental time points. As such, virtually no studies of in vivo physiology have been performed in freely behaving infant or juvenile mice, despite the fact that a better understanding of neurological development in this critical window would likely provide unique insights into age-dependent developmental disorders such as autism or schizophrenia. Here, a micro-drive design, surgical implantation procedure, and post-surgery recovery strategy are described that allow for chronic field and single-unit recordings from multiple brain regions simultaneously in mice as they age from postnatal day 20 (p20) to postnatal day 60 (p60) and beyond, a time window roughly corresponding to the human ages of 2 years old through to adulthood. The number of recording electrodes and final recording sites can be easily modified and expanded, thus allowing flexible experimental control of the in vivo monitoring of behavior- or disease-relevant brain regions across development.

Author Spotlight: A Lightweight Drive Implant for Chronic Tetrode Recordings in Juvenile Mice  

Here, we describe a micro-drive design, surgical implantation procedure, and post-surgery recovery strategy that allow for chronic field and single-unit recordings from multiple brain regions simultaneously in juvenile and adolescent mice across a critical developmental window from postnatal day 20 (p20) to postnatal day 60 (p60) and beyond.

In vivo electrophysiology provides unparalleled insight into the sub-second-level circuit dynamics of the intact brain and represents a method of ...

Development of an X-Y Electrode Stage for Precise Neural Recording in Marmosets

Electrophysiology of Laminar Cortical Activity in the Common Marmoset

The marmoset monkey provides an ideal model for examining laminar cortical circuits due to its smooth cortical surface, which facilitates recordings with linear arrays. The marmoset has recently grown in popularity due to its similar neural functional organization to other primates and its technical advantages for recording and imaging. However, neurophysiology in this model poses some unique challenges due to the small size and lack of gyri as anatomical landmarks. Using custom-built micro-drives, researchers can manipulate linear array placement to sub-millimeter precision and reliably record at the same retinotopically targeted location across recording days. This protocol describes the step-by-step construction of the micro-drive positioning system and the neurophysiological recording technique with silicon linear electrode arrays. With precise control of electrode placement across recording sessions, researchers can easily traverse the cortex to identify areas of interest based on their retinotopic organization and the tuning properties of the recorded neurons. Further, using this laminar array electrode system, it is possible to apply a current source density analysis (CSD) to determine the recording depth of individual neurons. This protocol also demonstrates examples of laminar recordings, including spike waveforms isolated in Kilosort, which span multiple channels on the arrays.

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Micro-Drive Systems for Precise Electrode Positioning in Marmoset

Custom-built micro-drives enable the sub-millimeter targeting of cortical recording sites with linear silicon arrays.

The marmoset monkey provides an ideal model for examining laminar cortical circuits due to its smooth cortical surface, which facilitates recordings with ...