A novel suction electrode recording technique for monitoring circadian rhythms in single and multiunit discharge from brain slices

Abstract

The study of spontaneous neuronal discharge for several days in vitro poses substantial technical difficulties not readily addressed by existing methodologies. Here we describe a novel method for recording bioelectrical signals from brain slices, using media-filled, glass micropipettes stabilized at the recording interface by negative pressure. Such electrodes are durable, economical and easily constructed using standard laboratory equipment. Through these suction electrodes, we monitored ∼24 h oscillations in spontaneous single and multiunit discharge from acutely prepared adult mouse suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) slices for up to 4 days in vitro, with very high success rates. Neuronal oscillations exhibited all the characteristics previously determined in SCN recordings using other techniques. Importantly, our electrode assembly enables SCN activity in acutely prepared brain slices to be monitored for substantially longer than with other methodologies. In summary, our data suggest that suction electrodes are likely to provide a favorable alternative to existing methods for recording long-term neuronal activity from brain slices.