Tominaga T, Tominaga Y, Ichikawa M
Laboratory for Brain-Operative Device, RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
Pflugers Arch. 2001 Nov;443(2):317-22. doi: 10.1007/s004240100707.
Understanding neuronal network function requires multi-site recording. An optical imaging method using voltage-sensitive dyes (VSD) is one such suitable method. It is also important to complement this technique with methods that measure other physiological parameters of neuronal network activity. We aimed to develop a multi-channel electrode method that would easily permit the simultaneous optical imaging of neural activity in vitro. There are several multi-electrode systems; some of these are commercially available, but they are not easy to use and are also expensive. We developed a novel, less expensive, stainless steel inline electrode array that utilizes the standard etching method of circuit board manufacturing. This method, along with widely available computer drawing software, allowed us to produce electrode arrays with uniform quality in electrical characteristics and shapes. The electrode array was designed so that it could easily substitute for single electrode systems without modifying the conventional set-up used for electrophysiological measurements and optical recordings. Simultaneous measurement of evoked neural activities in area CA1 of the rat hippocampal slice with our optical imaging method using the VSD Di-4-ANEPPS is demonstrated in this paper. The electrode array was also used as a stimulating electrode, and the evoked response was measured by the optical recording method. The results demonstrate the advantages of simultaneous recordings obtained by these complementary multi-site recording methods in vitro.
理解神经网络功能需要进行多位点记录。一种使用电压敏感染料（VSD）的光学成像方法就是这样一种合适的方法。用测量神经网络活动其他生理参数的方法来补充这项技术也很重要。我们旨在开发一种多通道电极方法，以便能够轻松地在体外同时对神经活动进行光学成像。有几种多电极系统；其中一些有商业产品，但它们使用起来不容易，而且价格昂贵。我们开发了一种新颖的、成本较低的不锈钢嵌入式电极阵列，它利用了电路板制造的标准蚀刻方法。这种方法，再加上广泛使用的计算机绘图软件，使我们能够生产出在电气特性和形状方面质量均匀的电极阵列。电极阵列的设计使其能够在不改变用于电生理测量和光学记录的传统设置的情况下，轻松替代单电极系统。本文展示了使用VSD Di-4-ANEPPS通过我们的光学成像方法对大鼠海马切片CA1区诱发神经活动进行的同步测量。电极阵列还用作刺激电极，并通过光学记录方法测量诱发反应。结果证明了这些互补的多位点记录方法在体外进行同步记录的优势。
