Simultaneous Collection of In Vivo Functional and Anatomical Data from Individual Neurons in Awake Mice

Ideally, to trace neural circuits, one often desires access to functional data that may be linked to anatomical attributes such as neuron type or projection target. Here we describe methods used for this purpose in our laboratory. We aim for this chapter to serve as a practical guide to applying “loose patch” or “cell-attached patch” electrophysiology techniques in vivo to simultaneously obtain information about neuronal firing (e.g., responses to sensory stimuli) and detailed anatomical information including dendritic morphology and axonal targeting. Since data on neuronal circuit function are often most useful when gathered during wakeful behavior, we pay special attention here to the use of these techniques in awake, head-fixed mice. However, the same methods may easily be applied to anesthetized animals.

Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - November 10, 2014 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news