Samuel L. Pfaff is a Professor in the Gene Expression Laboratories at The Salk Institute for biological Studies and an Investigator in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. This work was supported by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Joe Belcovson, Kent Schnoeker and Mike Sullivan in Multimedia Resources at the Salk Institute provided assistance with photography and editing.

1. Prepare artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF)1. We first prepare a 2L of a 10X stock of aCSF without magnesium or calcium. Reagents listed in millimolar. Catalog numbers refer to Sigma/Aldrich.
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr><td colspan="4">2 Liters 10X aCSF (without Mg or Ca)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reagent</td><td>mM</td><td>g/2L</td><td>Catalog</td></tr>
<tr><td>KCl</td><td>40</td><td>5.96</td><td>P-9333</td></tr>
<tr><td>NaCl</td><td>1280</td><td>149.61</td><td>S-7653</td></tr>
<tr><td>NaHCO3</td><td>210</td><td>35.28</td><td>S-6297</td></tr>
<tr><td>NaH2PO4</td><td>5</td><td>1.38</td><td>S-9638</td></tr>
<tr><td>Glucose</td><td>300</td><td>108.12</td><td>D-9434</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="4">Add distilled water to 2L</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
We will also prepare 1M solutions of MgSO4 and CaCl2 in 50mL water to allow for adjustments in molarity from experiment to experiment and to assure the calcium remains in solution.
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr><td colspan="4">1M Calcium and Magnesium Stocks</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reagent</td><td>M</td><td>g/50mL</td><td>Catalog</td></tr>
<tr><td>CaCl2</td><td>1</td><td>7.35</td><td>C-5080</td></tr>
<tr><td>MgSO4</td><td>1</td><td>12.33</td><td>M-5921</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The aCSF solution must be gassed with carbogen (95% O2/ 5% CO2) to lower the pH before adding calcium or the calcium will precipitate. 
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2">1 Liter aCSF </td></tr>
<tr><td>Reagent</td><td>Volume</td></tr>
<tr><td>10X aCSF</td><td>100mL</td></tr>
<tr><td>1M CaCl2</td><td>1 mL (dissecting) 2mL (recording)</td></tr>
<tr><td>1M MgSO4</td><td>1 mL</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2">Add ~800 mL distilled water, gas with carbogen for 2 minutes before adding calcium</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2">Add distilled water to 1L.</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The pumps and tubing and dissecting dishes should be rinsed before and after use.
Dissection
While dissecting, 1mM calcium aCSF should be continuously gassed with carbogen. The aCSF can be siphoned from a bottle to the dissecting dish and pumped from the dissecting dish to the bottle or sent to waste. We use an elastomer (Sylgard, Dow Corning) coated dish to perform the dissection. 
The neonatal mouse is rapidly decapitated with sharp scissors and an incision made with scissors through the ventral thorax and abdomen. The animal is then eviscerated. The eviscerated mouse is rinsed with aCSF. The animal is then pinned to the dissecting dish with insect pins inserted through the forelimbs and at the base of the tail. 
The spinal column is removed by performing a ventral laminectomy. The spinal column is held with small forceps and one blade of small scissors is inserted immediately dorsal to the bony spinal column. The lamina is cut on one side and then the other while gently lifting the bony spinal column. This is carried out for the length of the spinal column. 
The spinal cord is removed by cutting along either side of the spinal cord to sever the spinal nerve roots and cut the meninges surrounding the spinal cord. We cut on the left and right sides, then we cut the meninges attached to the dorsal side of the spinal cord to free it. The isolated cord is then pinned to the dish near the aCSF inlet to assure good oxygenation if additional animals are dissected. 
The isolated spinal cord is then transferred to a recording dish using a small spoon or spatula. Here we perfuse the preparation with oxygenated 2mM calcium aCSF. The spinal cord is pinned to the elastomer coated dish and micromanipulators used to move extracellular, whole root suction electrodes near the roots. When the electrode tip is near the free root end, gentle suction is applied to draw the root into the suction electrode. This process may be repeated to record several roots simultaneously.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1660/1660fig1.jpg" alt="Figure 1" /> Figure 1. Decapitation and Evisceration. A. Rapidly decapitate the mouse with sharp scissors. Greater or lesser contributions from the brain stem can be achieved depending on the level of cut. B. Place one blade of the scissors into the opening of the thoracic cavity created by the decapitation. Open the ventral thorax and abdomen to the base of the tail. Remove the viscera and rinse with aCSF. 
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1660/1660fig2.jpg" alt="Figure 2" /> Figure 2. Removal of the Spinal Column. A. Insert the left blade of the scissors into the space between the spinal column and spinal cord to the right of the spinal cord and cut through the bones laying ventral to the cord. Then insert the right blade of the scissors into the space between the spinal column and spinal cord to the left of the spinal cord and cut. B. Repeat this process while applying gentle traction to the spinal column. Take care not to puncture the spinal cord by holding the scissors at a low angle. 
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1660/1660fig3.jpg" alt="Figure 3" /> Figure 3. Removal of the Spinal Cord. A. Insert the left blade of the scissors into the space between the spinal cord and the bones to the right of the spinal cord and cut through the spinal roots and meninges laying lateral to the cord. Then insert the right blade of the scissors into the space between the spinal cord and the bones to the left of the spinal cord and cut through the spinal roots and meninges laying lateral to the cord. B. Finally, gently lift the rostral cord and cut the meninges connecting the dorsal cord to the laminae. Again take care not to puncture the spinal cord by holding the scissors at a low angle. Do not cut the roots too close to the spinal cord.

<ol>
	<li>Myers, C. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cholinergic+input+is+required+during+embryonic+development+to+mediate+proper+assembly+of+spinal+locomotor+circuits.">Cholinergic input is required during embryonic development to mediate proper assembly of spinal locomotor circuits.</a> Neuron. 46, 37-49 (2005).</li><li>Goulding, M., Pfaff, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+circuits+that+generate+simple+rhythmic+behaviors+in+vertebrates.">Development of circuits that generate simple rhythmic behaviors in vertebrates.</a> Curr Opin Neurobiol. 15 (1), 14-20 (2005).</li><li>Gallarda, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Segregation+of+axial+motor+and+sensory+pathways+via+heterotypic+trans-axonal+signaling.">Segregation of axial motor and sensory pathways via heterotypic trans-axonal signaling.</a> Science. 320, (2008).</li><li>Gosgnach, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=V1+spinal+neurons+regulate+the+speed+of+vertebrate+locomotor+outputs.">V1 spinal neurons regulate the speed of vertebrate locomotor outputs.</a> Nature. 440 (7081), 215-219 (2006).</li><li>Lanuza, G. M., Gosgnach, S., Pierani, A., Jessell, T. M., Goulding, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetic+identification+of+spinal+interneurons+that+coordinate+left-right+locomotor+activity+necessary+for+walking+movements.">Genetic identification of spinal interneurons that coordinate left-right locomotor activity necessary for walking movements.</a> Neuron. 42 (3), 375-386 (2004).</li><li>Jiang, Z., Carlin, K. P., Brownstone, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+in+vitro+functionally+mature+mouse+spinal+cord+preparation+for+the+study+of+spinal+motor+networks.">An in vitro functionally mature mouse spinal cord preparation for the study of spinal motor networks.</a> Brain Res. 816 (2), 493-499 (1999).</li><li>Ziskind-Conhaim, L., Gao, B. X., Hinckley, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ethanol+dual+modulatory+actions+on+spontaneous+postsynaptic+currents+in+spinal+motoneurons.">Ethanol dual modulatory actions on spontaneous postsynaptic currents in spinal motoneurons.</a> J Neurophysiol. 89 (2), 806-813 (2003).</li><li>Tabak, J., Rinzel, J., O'Donovan, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+activity-dependent+network+depression+in+the+expression+and+self-regulation+of+spontaneous+activity+in+the+developing+spinal+cord.">The role of activity-dependent network depression in the expression and self-regulation of spontaneous activity in the developing spinal cord.</a> J Neurosci. 21 (22), 8966-8978 (2001).</li><li>Chub, N., Mentis, G. Z., O'Donovan, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chloride-sensitive+MEQ+fluorescence+in+chick+embryo+motoneurons+following+manipulations+of+chloride+and+during+spontaneous+network+activity.">Chloride-sensitive MEQ fluorescence in chick embryo motoneurons following manipulations of chloride and during spontaneous network activity.</a> J Neurophysiol. 95 (1), 323-330 (2006).</li></ol>

ANIMAL CARE 
 
Experiments on animals were performed in accordance with the guidelines and regulations set forth by The Salk Institute for Biological Studies AIACUC.

The isolated neonatal spinal cord provides a tractable method of studying nervous system development1,2. Within the lumbar spinal cord of neonatal rodents, central pattern generating circuitry can produce fictive locomotion in the presence of neurotransmitters. This fictive locomotion consists of rhythmic increases in activity, bursts, that are produced at 0.2 to 0.5 Hz. These bursts are organized to produce left-right alternation along the length of the cord and flexor-extensor alternation (ipsilateral L2 relative to L5...

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">	
		
		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>KCl</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>P-9333</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NaCl	</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>S-7653</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NaHCO3</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>S-6297</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NaH2PO4</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>S-9638</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Glucose</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>D-9434</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>CaCl2</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>C-5080</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>MgSO4</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>M-5921</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Large Scissors</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>14070-12</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Forceps</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>11050-10</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Fine Scissors</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>15000-10</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Insect pins</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
<td>26002-10</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Sylgard 184 (Dow-Corning)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>1L volumetric flask</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>100mL volumetric flask</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

spinal cord electrophysiology

The neonatal mouse spinal cord is a model for studying the development of neural circuitries and locomotor movement. We demonstrate the spinal cord dissection and preparation of recording bath artificial cerebrospinal fluid used for locomotor studies. Once dissected, the spinal cord ventral nerve roots can be attached to a recording electrode to record the electrophysiologic signals of the central pattern generating circuitry within the lumbar cord.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Spinal Cord Electrophysiology at JoVE.com

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

A demonstration of the isolation of neonatal mouse spinal cord for electrophysiologic studies.

The neonatal mouse spinal cord is a model for studying the development of neural circuitries and locomotor movement. We demonstrate the spinal cord ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

21.1K Views.  Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Gene Expression Laboratory. A demonstration of the isolation of neonatal mouse spinal cord for electrophysiologic studies.

Video: Spinal Cord Electrophysiology

Applying Microfluidics to Electrophysiology

Microfluidics can be integrated with standard electrophysiology techniques to allow new experimental modalities.  Specifically, the motivation for the microfluidic brain slice device is discussed including how the device docks to standard perfusion chambers and the technique of passive pumping which is used to deliver boluses of neuromodulators to the brain slice.  By simplifying the device design, we are able to achieve a practical solution to the current unmet electrophysiology need of applying multiple neuromodulators across multiple regions of the brain slice.  This is achieved by substituting the standard coverglass substrate of the perfusion chamber with a thin microfluidic device bonded to the coverglass substrate.  This was then attached to the perfusion chamber and small holes connect the open-well of the perfusion chamber to the microfluidic channels buried within the microfluidic substrate.  These microfluidic channels are interfaced with ports drilled into the edge of the perfusion chamber to access and deliver stimulants.  This project represents how the field of microfluidics is transitioning away from proof-of concept device demonstrations and into practical solutions for unmet experimental and clinical needs.

Microfluidics can be integrated with standard electrophysiology techniques to allow new experimental modalities.  Specifically, the motivation for the ...

Preparation of Artificial Bilayers for Electrophysiology Experiments

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. These bilayers can be used for many different studies, such as the characterization of membrane-active peptides, the reconstitution of ion channels or investigations on how changes in lipid bilayer properties alter the function of bilayer-spanning channels.  Here, we show how to form a planar bilayer and how to isolate small patches from the bilayer, and in a second video  will also demonstrate a procedure for using gramicidin channels to determine changes in lipid bilayer elastic properties.   We also demonstrate the individual steps needed to prepare the bilayer chamber, the electrodes and how to test that the bilayer is suitable for single-channel measurements.

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. Here, we demonstrate the individual steps needed to prepare the bilayer chamber, the electrodes and how to test that the bilayer is suitable for single-channel measurements.

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. These bilayers can ...

Combining Peripheral Nerve Grafting and Matrix Modulation to Repair the Injured Rat Spinal Cord

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord (SCI) causes death of neurons, disruption of motor and sensory nerve fiber (axon) pathways and disruption of communication with the brain. One of the goals of our research is to promote axon regeneration to restore connectivity across the lesion site. To accomplish this we developed a peripheral nerve (PN) grafting technique where segments of sciatic nerve are either placed directly between the damaged ends of the spinal cord or are used to form a bridge across the lesion. There are several advantages to this approach compared to transplantation of other neural tissues; regenerating axons can be directed towards a specific target area, the number and source of regenerating axons is easily determined by tracing techniques, the graft can be used for electrophysiological experiments to measure functional recovery associated with axons in the graft, and it is possible to use an autologous nerve to reduce the possibility of graft rejection. In our lab we have performed both autologous (donor and recipient are the same animal) and heterologous (donor and recipient are different animals) grafts with comparable results. This approach has been used successfully in both acute and chronic injury situations. Regenerated axons that reach the distal end of the PN graft often fail to extend back into the spinal cord, so we use microinjections of chondroitinase to degrade inhibitory molecules associated with the scar tissue surrounding the area of SCI. At the same time we have found that providing exogenous growth and trophic molecules encourages longer distance axonal regrowth into the spinal cord. Several months after transplantation we perform a variety of anatomical, behavioral and electrophysiological tests to evaluate the recovery of function in our spinal cord injured animals. This experimental approach has been used successfully in several spinal cord injury models, at different levels of injury and in different species (mouse, rat and cat). Importantly, the peripheral nerve grafting approach is effective in promoting regeneration by acute and chronically injured neurons.

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord disrupts communication with the brain. To restore lost connectivity we utilize a peripheral nerve graft to provide a substratum for regenerating fibers in combination with neurotrophic factors and matrix-modulating enzymes to remove inhibitory molecules to promote long distance growth.

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord (SCI) causes death of neurons, disruption of motor and sensory nerve fiber (axon) pathways and disruption of ...

Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis of Small Hearts

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our Semi-automatic Optical Heartbeat Analysis (SOHA) uses a novel movement detection algorithm that is able to detect cardiac movements associated with individual contractile and relaxation events. The program provides a host of physiologically relevant readouts including systolic and diastolic intervals, heart rate, as well as qualitative and quantitative measures of heartbeat arrhythmicity. The program also calculates heart diameter measurements during both diastole and systole from which fractional shortening and fractional area changes are calculated. Output is provided as a digital file compatible with most spreadsheet programs. Measurements are made for every heartbeat in a record increasing the statistical power of the output. We demonstrate each of the steps where user input is required and show the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in all three genetically tractable heart models.

We have developed a Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis method (SOHA) for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts. We demonstrate the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in fruit fly and embryonic mouse hearts.

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our ...

Assaying the Ability of Diffusible Signaling Molecules to Reorient Embryonic Spinal Commissural Axons

Dorsal commissural axons in the vertebrate spinal cord1 have been an invaluable model system in which to identify axon guidance signals. Here, we describe an in vitro assay, "the reorientation assay", that has been used extensively to study the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic signals on the orientation of commissural axons2. This assay was developed by numerous people in the laboratories of Jane Dodd, Thomas Jessell and Andrew Lumsden (see acknowledgements for more details) and versions of this assay were used to demonstrate the reorientation activities of key axon guidance molecules, including the BMP chemorepellent in the roof plate3,4 and the chemoattractive activities of Netrin15 and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)6 in the floor plate in the spinal cord.
Explants comprising 2-3 segments of the dorsal two-thirds of spinal cord are dissected from embryonic day (E) 11 rats and cultured in three dimensional collagen gels7. E11 dorsal spinal explants contain newly born commissural neurons, which can be identified by their axonal expression of the glycoprotein, Tag18. Over the course of 30-40 hours in culture, the commissural axon trajectory is recapitulated in these dorsal explants with a time course similar to that seen in vivo. This axonal trajectory can be challenged by placing either test tissues or a COS cell aggregate expressing a candidate signaling molecule in contact with one of the lateral edges of the dorsal explant. Commissural axons extending in the vicinity of the appended tissue will grow under the influence of both the endogenous roof plate and signals from the ectopic lateral tissue. The degree to which commissural axons are reoriented under these circumstances can be quantified. Using this assay, it is possible both to examine the sufficiency of a particular signal to reorient commissural axons3,4 as well the necessity for this signal to direct the commissural trajectory9.

This assay assesses the ability of a signaling molecule, here Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7), to reorient commissural axons. An explant of embryonic dorsal spinal cord is cultured adjacent to an aggregate of COS cells secreting the candidate growth factors. Reoriented commissural axons growing within the explant are visualized by immunohistochemistry.

Dorsal commissural axons in the vertebrate spinal cord1 have been an invaluable model system in which to identify axon guidance signals.  Here, we ...

Exploring Arterial Smooth Muscle Kv7 Potassium Channel Function using Patch Clamp Electrophysiology and Pressure Myography

Contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the walls of resistance arteries determines the artery diameter and thereby controls flow of blood through the vessel and contributes to systemic blood pressure. The contraction process is regulated primarily by cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt), which is in turn controlled by a variety of ion transporters and channels. Ion channels are common intermediates in signal transduction pathways activated by vasoactive hormones to effect vasoconstriction or vasodilation. And ion channels are often targeted by therapeutic agents either intentionally (e.g. calcium channel blockers used to induce vasodilation and lower blood pressure) or unintentionally (e.g. to induce unwanted cardiovascular side effects).
Kv7 (KCNQ) voltage-activated potassium channels have recently been implicated as important physiological and therapeutic targets for regulation of smooth muscle contraction. To elucidate the specific roles of Kv7 channels in both physiological signal transduction and in the actions of therapeutic agents, we need to study how their activity is modulated at the cellular level as well as evaluate their contribution in the context of the intact artery.
The rat mesenteric arteries provide a useful model system. The arteries can be easily dissected, cleaned of connective tissue, and used to prepare isolated arterial myocytes for patch clamp electrophysiology, or cannulated and pressurized for measurements of vasoconstrictor/vasodilator responses under relatively physiological conditions. Here we describe the methods used for both types of measurements and provide some examples of how the experimental design can be integrated to provide a clearer understanding of the roles of these ion channels in the regulation of vascular tone.

Measurements of Kv7 (KCNQ) potassium channel activity in isolated arterial myocytes (using patch clamp electrophysiological techniques) in parallel with measurements of constrictor/dilator responses (using pressure myography) can reveal important information about the roles of Kv7 channels in vascular smooth muscle physiology and pharmacology.

Contraction  or relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the walls of resistance arteries  determines the artery diameter and thereby controls flow of ...

Giant Liposome Preparation for Imaging and Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology

The reconstitution of ion channels into chemically defined lipid membranes for electrophysiological recording has been a powerful technique to identify and explore the function of these important proteins. However, classical preparations, such as planar bilayers, limit the manipulations and experiments that can be performed on the reconstituted channel and its membrane environment. The more cell-like structure of giant liposomes permits traditional patch-clamp experiments without sacrificing control of the lipid environment.
Electroformation is an efficient mean to produce giant liposomes &gt;10 &mu;m in diameter which relies on the application of alternating voltage to a thin, ordered lipid film deposited on an electrode surface. However, since the classical protocol calls for the lipids to be deposited from organic solvents, it is not compatible with less robust membrane proteins like ion channels and must be modified. Recently, protocols have been developed to electroform giant liposomes from partially dehydrated small liposomes, which we have adapted to protein-containing liposomes in our laboratory.
We present here the background, equipment, techniques, and pitfalls of electroformation of giant liposomes from small liposome dispersions. We begin with the classic protocol, which should be mastered first before attempting the more challenging protocols that follow. We demonstrate the process of controlled partial dehydration of small liposomes using vapor equilibrium with saturated salt solutions. Finally, we demonstrate the process of electroformation itself. We will describe simple, inexpensive equipment that can be made in-house to produce high-quality liposomes, and describe visual inspection of the preparation at each stage to ensure the best results.

Reconstituting functional membrane proteins into giant liposomes of defined composition is a powerful approach when combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology. However, conventional giant liposome production may be incompatible with protein stability. We describe protocols for producing giant liposomes from pure lipids or small liposomes containing ion channels.

The reconstitution of ion channels into chemically defined lipid membranes for electrophysiological recording has been a powerful technique to identify ...

Introduction to Solid Supported Membrane Based Electrophysiology

The electrophysiological method we present is based on a solid supported membrane (SSM) composed of an octadecanethiol layer chemisorbed on a gold coated sensor chip and a phosphatidylcholine monolayer on top. This assembly is mounted into a cuvette system containing the reference electrode, a chlorinated silver wire.
After adsorption of membrane fragments or proteoliposomes containing the membrane protein of interest, a fast solution exchange is used to induce the transport activity of the membrane protein. In the single solution exchange protocol two solutions, one non-activating and one activating solution, are needed. The flow is controlled by pressurized air and a valve and tubing system within a faraday cage.
The kinetics of the electrogenic transport activity is obtained via capacitive coupling between the SSM and the proteoliposomes or membrane fragments. The method, therefore, yields only transient currents. The peak current represents the stationary transport activity. The time dependent transporter currents can be reconstructed by circuit analysis.
This method is especially suited for prokaryotic transporters or eukaryotic transporters from intracellular membranes, which cannot be investigated by patch clamp or voltage clamp methods.

Here we present an electrophysiological method based on solid supported membranes with focus on its applications for the characterization of electrogenic membrane transporters.

The electrophysiological method we present is based on a solid supported membrane (SSM) composed of an octadecanethiol layer chemisorbed on a gold coated ...

In Vivo SiRNA Transfection and Gene Knockdown in Spinal Cord via Rapid Noninvasive Lumbar Intrathecal Injections in Mice

This report describes a step-by-step guide to the technique of acute intrathecal needle injections in a noninvasive manner, i.e. independent of catheter implantation. The technical limitation of this surgical technique lies in the finesse of the hands. The injection is rapid, especially for a trained experimenter, and since tissue disruption with this technique is minimal, repeated injections are possible; moreover immune reaction to foreign tools (e.g. catheter) does not occur, thereby giving a better and more specific read out of spinal cord modulation. Since the application of the substance is largely limited to the target region of the spinal cord, drugs do not need to be applied in large dosages, and more importantly unwanted effects on other tissue, as observed with a systemic delivery, could be circumvented1,2. Moreover, we combine this technique with in vivo transfection of nucleic acid with the help of polyethylenimine (PEI) reagent3, which provides tremendous versatility for studying spinal functions via delivery of pharmacological agents as well as gene, RNA, and protein modulators.

In Vivo SiRNA Transfection and Gene Knockdown in Spinal Cord via Rapid Noninvasive Lumbar Intrathecal Injections in Mice

This report describes a simple and rapid technique of intrathecal needle puncture for a localized transfection of siRNA in the lumbar spinal cord in mouse under short lasting light anesthesia.

This report describes a step-by-step guide to the technique of acute intrathecal needle injections in a noninvasive manner, i.e. independent of catheter ...

Cystometric and External Urethral Sphincter Measurements in Awake Rats with Implanted Catheter and Electrodes Allowing for Repeated Measurements

Lower urinary tract function is mainly assessed by means of cystometric bladder function analysis in rodents. Conventional cystometries are usually performed as terminal analysis under urethane anesthesia. It is well known that anesthetic drugs can influence bladder function. Hence, the aim of this technique is to perform cystometric measurements of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter in lightly restrained awake rats. For this purpose, a bladder catheter is implanted into the bladder dome. Subsequently, two electrodes are implanted bilateral to the external urethral sphincter and a ground electrode is sutured to a non-responsive skeletal muscle. The bladder catheter and the three electrodes are finally tunneled subcutaneously to the neck region and affixed to a harness. With this technique, the lower urinary tract can be measured at multiple time points in the same animal to assess lower urinary tract function. The main application of this technique is the follow-up of simultaneous urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter function in awake healthy rats and after induction of a disease or injury. Moreover, subsequent lower urinary tract monitoring can be performed during evaluation of the disease/injury and to monitor treatment efficacy.

This protocol first describes the surgical procedure of the permanent implantation of a urinary bladder catheter combined with external urethral sphincter electrodes, and second, the measurement of the function of the urinary bladder and external urethral sphincter in implanted awake animals.

Lower urinary tract function is mainly assessed by means of cystometric bladder function analysis in rodents. Conventional cystometries are usually ...