Name: in vivo intracellular recording of type-identified rat spinal motoneurons during trans-spinal direct current stimulation
Uploaded: 2020-05-11T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In Vivo Intracellular Recording of Type-Identified Rat Spinal Motoneurons During Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation at JoVE.com

This work was supported by the National Science Center grant No. 2017/25/B/NZ7/00373. Authors would like to recognize the work of Hanna Drzyma&#322;a-Celichowska and W&#322;odzimierz Mr&#243;wczy&#324;ski, who both contributed to the data gathering and analysis of the results presented in this paper.

All procedures connected to this protocol have been accepted by the appropriate authorities (e.g., Local Ethics Committee) and follow the national and international rules on animal welfare and management.
NOTE: Each participant involved in the procedure has to be properly trained in basic surgical procedures and has to have a valid license for performing animal experiments.
1. Anesthesia and premedication
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize a rat with intraperitoneal injections...

<ol>
	<li>Angius, L., Hopker, J., Mauger, A. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Ergogenic+Effects+of+Transcranial+Direct+Current+Stimulation+on+Exercise+Performance.">The Ergogenic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Exercise Performance.</a> Frontiers in Physiology. 8, 90 (2017).</li><li>Berry, H. R., Tate, R. J., Conway, B. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcutaneous+spinal+direct+current+stimulation+induces+lasting+fatigue+resistance+and+enhances+explosive+vertical+jump+performance.">Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation induces lasting fatigue resistance and enhances explosive vertical jump performance.</a> PloS One. 12 (4), 0173846 (2017).</li><li>Lenoir, C., Jankovski, A., Mouraux, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anodal+transcutaneous+spinal+direct+current+stimulation+(tsDCS)+selectively+inhibits+the+synaptic+efficacy+of+nociceptive+transmission+at+spinal+cord+level.">Anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) selectively inhibits the synaptic efficacy of nociceptive transmission at spinal cord level.</a> Neuroscience. 393, 150-163 (2018).</li><li>Parazzini, 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=Modeling+the+current+density+generated+by+transcutaneous+spinal+direct+current+stimulation+(tsDCS).">Modeling the current density generated by transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS).</a> Clinical Neurophysiology: Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. 125 (11), 2260-2270 (2014).</li><li>Choi, Y. A., Kim, Y., Shin, H. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pilot+study+of+feasibility+and+effect+of+anodal+transcutaneous+spinal+direct+current+stimulation+on+chronic+neuropathic+pain+after+spinal+cord+injury.">Pilot study of feasibility and effect of anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation on chronic neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.</a> Spinal Cord. 57 (6), 461-470 (2019).</li><li>G&#243;mez-Soriano, J., Meg&#237;a-Garc&#237;a, A., Serrano-Mu&#241;oz, D., Osuagwu, B., Taylor, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Non-invasive+spinal+direct+current+simulation+for+spasticity+therapy+following+spinal+cord+injury:+mechanistic+insights+contributing+to+long-term+treatment+effects.">Non-invasive spinal direct current simulation for spasticity therapy following spinal cord injury: mechanistic insights contributing to long-term treatment effects.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 597 (8), 2121-2122 (2019).</li><li>de Ara&#250;jo, A. V. L., 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=Effectiveness+of+anodal+transcranial+direct+current+stimulation+to+improve+muscle+strength+and+motor+functionality+after+incomplete+spinal+cord+injury:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Effectiveness of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation to improve muscle strength and motor functionality after incomplete spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> Spinal Cord. , (2020).</li><li>de Paz, R. H., Serrano-Mu&#241;oz, D., P&#233;rez-Nombela, S., Bravo-Esteban, E., Avenda&#241;o-Coy, J., G&#243;mez-Soriano, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Combining+transcranial+direct-current+stimulation+with+gait+training+in+patients+with+neurological+disorders:+a+systematic+review.">Combining transcranial direct-current stimulation with gait training in patients with neurological disorders: a systematic review.</a> Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation. 16 (1), 114 (2019).</li><li>Ahmed, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modulation+of+gamma+and+alpha+spinal+motor+neurons+activity+by+trans-spinal+direct+current+stimulation:+effects+on+reflexive+actions+and+locomotor+activity.">Modulation of gamma and alpha spinal motor neurons activity by trans-spinal direct current stimulation: effects on reflexive actions and locomotor activity.</a> Physiological Reports. 4 (3), (2016).</li><li>Bolzoni, F., Jankowska, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Presynaptic+and+postsynaptic+effects+of+local+cathodal+DC+polarization+within+the+spinal+cord+in+anaesthetized+animal+preparations.">Presynaptic and postsynaptic effects of local cathodal DC polarization within the spinal cord in anaesthetized animal preparations.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 593 (4), 947-966 (2015).</li><li>Cogiamanian, F., 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=Transcutaneous+Spinal+Direct+Current+Stimulation.">Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation.</a> Frontiers in Psychiatry. 3, (2012).</li><li>Ahmed, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Trans-spinal+direct+current+stimulation+alters+muscle+tone+in+mice+with+and+without+spinal+cord+injury+with+spasticity.">Trans-spinal direct current stimulation alters muscle tone in mice with and without spinal cord injury with spasticity.</a> The Journal of Neuroscience: The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 34 (5), 1701-1709 (2014).</li><li>Bolzoni, F., Pettersson, L. G., Jankowska, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evidence+for+long-lasting+subcortical+facilitation+by+transcranial+direct+current+stimulation+in+the+cat.">Evidence for long-lasting subcortical facilitation by transcranial direct current stimulation in the cat.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 591 (13), 3381-3399 (2013).</li><li>Manuel, M., Zytnicki, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Alpha,+beta+and+gamma+motoneurons:+functional+diversity+in+the+motor+system's+final+pathway.">Alpha, beta and gamma motoneurons: functional diversity in the motor system's final pathway.</a> Journal of Integrative Neuroscience. 10 (3), 243-276 (2011).</li><li>Feiereisen, P., Duchateau, J., Hainaut, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Motor+unit+recruitment+order+during+voluntary+and+electrically+induced+contractions+in+the+tibialis+anterior.">Motor unit recruitment order during voluntary and electrically induced contractions in the tibialis anterior.</a> Experimental Brain Research. 114 (1), 117-123 (1997).</li><li>Van Cutsem, M., Feiereisen, P., Duchateau, J., Hainaut, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanical+properties+and+behaviour+of+motor+units+in+the+tibialis+anterior+during+voluntary+contractions.">Mechanical properties and behaviour of motor units in the tibialis anterior during voluntary contractions.</a> Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology = Revue Canadienne De Physiologie Appliquee. 22 (6), 585-597 (1997).</li><li>Gardiner, P. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Physiological+properties+of+motoneurons+innervating+different+muscle+unit+types+in+rat+gastrocnemius.">Physiological properties of motoneurons innervating different muscle unit types in rat gastrocnemius.</a> Journal of Neurophysiology. 69 (4), 1160-1170 (1993).</li><li>Ahmed, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Trans-spinal+direct+current+stimulation+modifies+spinal+cord+excitability+through+synaptic+and+axonal+mechanisms.">Trans-spinal direct current stimulation modifies spinal cord excitability through synaptic and axonal mechanisms.</a> Physiological Reports. 2 (9), (2014).</li><li>Manuel, M., Iglesias, C., Donnet, M., Leroy, F., Heckman, C. J., Zytnicki, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fast+kinetics,+high-frequency+oscillations,+and+subprimary+firing+range+in+adult+mouse+spinal+motoneurons.">Fast kinetics, high-frequency oscillations, and subprimary firing range in adult mouse spinal motoneurons.</a> The Journal of Neuroscience: The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 29 (36), 11246-11256 (2009).</li><li>Liebetanz, D., Koch, R., Mayenfels, S., K&#246;nig, F., Paulus, W., Nitsche, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Safety+limits+of+cathodal+transcranial+direct+current+stimulation+in+rats.">Safety limits of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation in rats.</a> Clinical Neurophysiology: Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. 120 (6), 1161-1167 (2009).</li><li>B&#261;czyk, M., Jankowska, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+effects+of+direct+current+are+reproduced+by+intermittent+depolarization+of+myelinated+nerve+fibers.">Long-term effects of direct current are reproduced by intermittent depolarization of myelinated nerve fibers.</a> Journal of Neurophysiology. 120 (3), 1173-1185 (2018).</li><li>B&#261;czyk, M., Drzyma&#322;a-Celichowska, H., Mr&#243;wczy&#324;ski, W., Krutki, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Motoneuron+firing+properties+are+modified+by+trans-spinal+direct+current+stimulation+in+rats.">Motoneuron firing properties are modified by trans-spinal direct current stimulation in rats.</a> Journal of Applied Physiology. 126 (5), 1232-1241 (2019).</li><li>B&#261;czyk, M., Drzyma&#322;a-Celichowska, H., Mr&#243;wczy&#324;ski, W., Krutki, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-lasting+modifications+of+motoneuron+firing+properties+by+trans-spinal+direct+current+stimulation+in+rats.">Long-lasting modifications of motoneuron firing properties by trans-spinal direct current stimulation in rats.</a> European Journal of Neuroscience. , (2019).</li><li>Miranda, P. C., Faria, P., Hallett, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=What+does+the+ratio+of+injected+current+to+electrode+area+tell+us+about+current+density+in+the+brain+during+tDCS.">What does the ratio of injected current to electrode area tell us about current density in the brain during tDCS.</a> Clinical Neurophysiology: Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. 120 (6), 1183-1187 (2009).</li><li>Rahman, A., 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=Cellular+effects+of+acute+direct+current+stimulation:+somatic+and+synaptic+terminal+effects.">Cellular effects of acute direct current stimulation: somatic and synaptic terminal effects.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 591 (10), 2563-2578 (2013).</li><li>Bikson, 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=Effects+of+uniform+extracellular+DC+electric+fields+on+excitability+in+rat+hippocampal+slices+in+vitro.">Effects of uniform extracellular DC electric fields on excitability in rat hippocampal slices in vitro.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 557, 175-190 (2004).</li><li>Jankowska, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spinal+control+of+motor+outputs+by+intrinsic+and+externally+induced+electric+field+potentials.">Spinal control of motor outputs by intrinsic and externally induced electric field potentials.</a> Journal of Neurophysiology. 118 (2), 1221-1234 (2017).</li><li>Button, D. C., Gardiner, K., Marqueste, T., Gardiner, P. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Frequency-current+relationships+of+rat+hindlimb+alpha-motoneurones.">Frequency-current relationships of rat hindlimb alpha-motoneurones.</a> The Journal of Physiology. 573, 663-677 (2006).</li></ol>

If performed correctly, the surgical part of the described protocol should be completed within approximately three hours. One should take particular care in maintaining stable physiological conditions of an animal during the surgery, in particular body temperature and depth of anesthesia. Apart from obvious ethical considerations, a lack of proper anesthesia can result in excessive limb movements during nerve dissection or laminectomy and lead to damage to the preparation or a premature experiment termination. Upon paral...

Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is gaining recognition as a potent method to modify spinal circuit excitability in health and disease1,2,3. In this technique, a constant current is passed between an active electrode located above selected spinal segments, with a reference electrode located either ventrally or more rostrally4. Several studies have already confirmed that tsDCS can be used in managing certain pathological conditions, such as neuropathic pain5, spasticity6, spinal cord injury7 or to facilitate rehabilitation8. Researchers&#160;suggest that tsDCS evokes alterations in the ion distribution between the intracellular and the extracellular space across the cell membrane, and this can either facilitate or inhibit neuronal activity depending on the current orientation9,10,11. However, until recently, a direct confirmation of this influence on motoneurons was lacking.
Here, we describe a detailed protocol to conduct in vivo intracellular recording of electrical potentials from lumbar spinal motoneurons in the anesthetized rat with simultaneous application of tsDCS, in order to observe changes in motoneuron membrane and firing properties in response to anodal or cathodal polarization of the spinal neuronal network. Intracellular recordings open several areas of investigation of neuron properties, unavailable for previously used extracellular techniques9,12. For example, it is possible to precisely measure motoneuron membrane voltage response to direct current flow induced by tsDCS, to indicate voltage threshold for spike generation, or to analyze action potential parameters. Moreover, this technique allows us to determine motoneuron passive membrane properties, such as input resistance, and to observe the relationship between intracellular stimulation current and frequency of rhythmic firing of motoneurons. Antidromic identification of recorded motoneuron, based on the stimulation of functionally identified nerves (i.e., nerves providing efferents to flexors or extensors) allows us to additionally identify types of innervated motor units (fast versus slow), which gives an opportunity to test whether polarization differently influences individual elements of the mature spinal neuronal system. Due to extensive surgery preceding the recording and high requirements on stability and reliability of recordings, this technique is highly challenging but allows direct and long-term assessment of electrophysiological characteristics of one motoneuron: before, during and after application of tsDCS, which is crucial to determine both its acute actions and persistent effects13. As a motoneuron directly activates extrafusal muscle fibers14 and takes part in feedback control of a muscle contraction and developed force15,16 any observed influence of tsDCS on the motor unit or muscle contractile properties may be linked to modulations of motoneuron excitability or firing characteristics.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Durgs and solutions</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Atropinum sulfuricum</td>
			<td>Polfa Warszawa</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td>346351</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaHCO3</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td>106329</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pancuronium Jelfa</td>
			<td>PharmaSwiss/Valeant</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>Neuromuscular blocker</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pentobarbital sodium</td>
			<td>Biowet Pu&#322;awy Sp. z o.o</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>Main anesthetic agent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pottasium citrate</td>
			<td>Chempur</td>
			<td>6100-05-06</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tetraspan</td>
			<td>Braun</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>HES solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical equipment</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>21 Blade</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>10021-00</td>
			<td>Scalpel blade</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cauterizer</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>18010-00</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chest Tubes</td>
			<td>Mila</td>
			<td>CT1215</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont #4 Forceps</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>11241-30</td>
			<td>Muscle forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont #5 Forceps</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>11254-20</td>
			<td>Dura forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont #5F Forceps</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>11255-20</td>
			<td>Nerve forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont #5SF Forceps</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>11252-00</td>
			<td>Pia forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>11008-13</td>
			<td>Blunt forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>11053-10</td>
			<td>Skin forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hemostat</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>13013-14</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rongeur</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>16021-14</td>
			<td>For laminectomy</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>15000-08</td>
			<td>Vein scissors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>15002-08</td>
			<td>Dura scissors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>14184-09</td>
			<td>For trachea cut</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>104075-11</td>
			<td>Muscle scissors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>14002-13</td>
			<td>Skin scissors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tracheal tube</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>Custom made</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vein catheter</td>
			<td>Vygon</td>
			<td>1261.201</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vessel cannulation forceps</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>18403-11</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vessel clamp</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>18320-11</td>
			<td>For vein clamping</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vessel Dilating Probe</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>10160-13</td>
			<td>For vein dissection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sugrgical materials</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gel foam</td>
			<td>Pfizer</td>
			<td>GTIN 00300090315085</td>
			<td>Hemostatic agent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silk suture 4.0</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>18020-40</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silk suture 6.0</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>18020-60</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Axoclamp 2B</td>
			<td>Molecular devices</td>
			<td>discontinued</td>
			<td>Intracellular amplifier/ new model Axoclamp 900A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CapStar-100 End-tidal CO2 Monitor</td>
			<td>CWE</td>
			<td>11-10000</td>
			<td>Gas analyzer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Grass S-88</td>
			<td>A-M Systems</td>
			<td>discontinued</td>
			<td>Constant current stimulator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Homeothermic Blanket Systems with Flexible Probe</td>
			<td>Harvard Apparatus</td>
			<td>507222F</td>
			<td>Heating system</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ISO-DAM8A</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>74020</td>
			<td>Extracellular amplifier</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microdrive</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>Custom made/replacement IVM/Scientifica</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>P-1000 Microelectrode puller</td>
			<td>Sutter Instruments</td>
			<td>P-1000</td>
			<td>Microelectrode puller</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SAR-830/AP Small Animal Ventilator</td>
			<td>CWE</td>
			<td>12-02100</td>
			<td>Respirator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Support frame</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>Custom made/replacement lab standard base 51601/Stoelting</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spinal clamps</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>Custom made/replacement Rat spinal adaptor 51695/Stoelting</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TP-1 DC stimulator</td>
			<td>WiNUE</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>tsDCS stimulator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Miscellaneous</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1B150-4 glass capillaries</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>1B150-4</td>
			<td>For microelectrodes production</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cotton wool</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>flexible tubing</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>For respirator and CO2 analyzer connection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MicroFil</td>
			<td>WPI</td>
			<td>MF28G67-5</td>
			<td>For filling micropipettes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silver wire</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>For nerve electrodes</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

in vivo intracellular recording of type-identified rat spinal motoneurons during trans-spinal direct current stimulation

Intracellular recording of spinal motoneurons in vivo provides a &#8220;gold standard&#8221; for determining the cells&#8217; electrophysiological characteristics in the intact spinal network and holds significant advantages relative to classical in vitro or extracellular recording techniques. An advantage of in vivo intracellular recordings is that this method can be performed on adult animals with a fully mature nervous system, and therefore many observed physiological mechanisms can be translated to practical applications. In this methodological paper, we describe this procedure combined with externally applied constant current stimulation, which mimics polarization processes occurring within spinal neuronal networks. Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is an innovative method increasingly used as a neuromodulatory intervention in rehabilitation after various neurological injuries as well as in sports. The influence of tsDCS on the nervous system remains poorly understood and the physiological mechanisms behind its actions are largely unknown. The application of the tsDCS simultaneously with intracellular recordings enables us to directly observe changes of motoneuron membrane properties and characteristics of rhythmic firing in response to the polarization of the spinal neuronal network, which is crucial for the understanding of tsDCS actions. Moreover, when the presented protocol includes the identification of the motoneuron with respect to an innervated muscle and its function (flexor versus extensor) as well as the physiological type (fast versus slow) it provides an opportunity to selectively investigate the influence of tsDCS on identified components of spinal circuitry, which seem to be differently affected by polarization. The presented procedure focuses on surgical preparation for intracellular recordings and stimulation with an emphasis on the steps which are necessary to achieve preparation stability and reproducibility of results. The details of the methodology of the anodal or cathodal tsDCS application are discussed while paying attention to practical and safety issues.

Parameters of action potentials and several membrane properties can be calculated on the basis of intracellular recordings when stable conditions of cell penetration are ensured. Figure 1A presents a typical orthodromic action potential evoked by intracellular stimulation, which meets all criteria for data inclusion (the resting membrane potential of at least -50 mV, and spike amplitude higher than 50 mV, with a positive overshoot). Action potential parameters, such as the spike amplitude, t...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In Vivo Intracellular Recording of Type-Identified Rat Spinal Motoneurons During Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation at JoVE.com

In Vivo Intracellular Recording of Type-Identified Rat Spinal Motoneurons During Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation

This protocol describes in vivo intracellular recording of rat lumbar motoneurons with simultaneous trans-spinal direct current stimulation. The method enables us to measure membrane properties and to record rhythmic firing of motoneurons before, during and after anodal or cathodal polarization of the spinal cord.

Intracellular recording of spinal motoneurons in vivo provides a &#8220;gold standard&#8221; for determining the cells&#8217; electrophysiological ...

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Neuroscience

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