Brain Slice Electrophysiology Assay
Brain slice electrophysiology assay is an essential technique used in neuroscience research to study the electrical activity of neurons and their synaptic connections. Creative Biolabs has developed an advanced brain slice electrophysiology assay that enables the recording of the activity of multiple neurons simultaneously using the MEA platform. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the electrical activity of brain slices, allowing researchers to gain valuable insights into the function of neurons and the underlying mechanisms of various neurological disorders.
Brain Slice Preparation
Fig.1 Mice brain slices preparation workflow. .(Panuccio, 2018)
Brain slice electrophysiology assays rely on the preparation of thin slices of brain tissue, typically about 300 micrometers thick, that are cut using specialized equipment called a vibratome. This process requires skill and expertise to ensure that slices are viable and maintain their structural and functional integrity.
At Creative Biolabs, we have developed a highly optimized brain slice preparation protocol that ensures high-quality samples with minimal trauma. Our team of expert technicians has extensive experience in preparing brain slices from various regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, cortex, and striatum.
Electrophysiology Assay
Once the brain slices have been prepared, they are transferred to a specialized recording chamber that is designed for electrophysiological experiments. The chamber is filled with a solution that mimics the chemical and ionic environment of the brain, allowing the slices to maintain their physiological properties.
Electrophysiological recordings are then made from individual neurons or groups of neurons within the slice, using a combination of Multi-Electrode Array(MEA) and patch-clamp techniques. This allows researchers to measure the electrical activity of the neurons and explore their functional properties, such as firing rate, action potential waveform, and synaptic connectivity.
Fig.2 Mouse brain slice 4AP-induced epileptiform pattern.
Applications in Neuroscience Research
Brain slice electrophysiology assays have numerous applications in neuroscience research. They can be used to investigate a wide range of phenomena, including synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity.
Investigating Synaptic Transmission
By measuring the electrical activity of neurons in response to stimulation, researchers can investigate the properties of synaptic connections between neurons. This allows for the investigation of neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic receptor activation, and the mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity.
Studying Neuronal Excitability
By measuring the properties of action potentials, researchers can investigate the mechanisms underlying neuronal firing and the role of ion channels in regulating neuronal activity.
Investigating Synaptic Plasticity
By measuring changes in synaptic strength in response to various stimuli, researchers can investigate the mechanisms underlying learning and memory.
Electrophysiological analysis of brain slices can also be combined with a range of other techniques, such as optogenetics, pharmacology, and imaging, to explore the mechanisms of neuronal function in more detail. Creative Biolabs also offer customizable service to meet your specific research needs. We can work with a range of animal models, including rats, mice, and guinea pigs, and can provide data analysis and interpretation services to help you make sense of your results.
Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with your drug discovery needs.
Reference
- Panuccio, Gabriella, Ilaria Colombi, and Michela Chiappalone. "Recording and modulation of epileptiform activity in rodent brain slices coupled to microelectrode arrays." JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) 135 (2018): e57548.
