Abstract
Neuronal activity is dominated by synaptic inputs from excitatory or inhibitory neural circuits. With the development of in vivo patch-clamp recording, especially in vivo voltage-clamp recording, researchers can not only directly measure neuronal activity, such as spiking responses or membrane potential dynamics, but also quantify synaptic inputs from excitatory and inhibitory circuits in living animals. This approach enables researchers to directly unravel different synaptic components and to understand their underlying roles in particular brain functions. Combining in vivo patch-clamp recording with other techniques, such as two-photon imaging or optogenetics, can provide even clearer functional dissection of the synaptic contributions of different neurons or nuclei. Here, we summarized current applications and recent research progress using the in vivo patch-clamp recording method and focused on its role in the functional dissection of different synaptic inputs. The key factors of a successful in vivo patch-clamp experiment and possible solutions based on references and our experiences were also discussed.
Highlights
The patch-clamp recording technique was originally developed to study currents from single ion channels in cell membranes in the 1970s
Over the last several decades, neuroscientists have successfully applied this technique to study current and potential changes in isolated cells, cultured cells and brain slice preparations, which has increased our knowledge of neuronal activity and circuit functions (Hamill et al, 1981)
Different types of neuronal activity, such as spiking responses, membrane potential dynamics and synaptic inputs from excitatory and inhibitory circuits, can be recorded from the same neuron using in vivo patch-clamp
Summary
The patch-clamp recording technique was originally developed to study currents from single ion channels in cell membranes in the 1970s. Different types of neuronal activity, such as spiking responses, membrane potential dynamics and synaptic inputs from excitatory and inhibitory circuits, can be recorded from the same neuron using in vivo patch-clamp. Unique Advantages of In Vivo Patch-Clamp “Input” and “Output” can be Retrieved from the Same Neuron Loose patch means the pipette tip and the cell membrane are relatively close but not giga-sealed. Using in vivo voltage-clamp recording, researchers can separate synaptic excitation and inhibition directly in real time (Figure 2C) by holding the membrane potential at −70 mV, which is the reversal potential of inhibitory currents (Cl− ion channels), and at 0 mV, which is the reversal potential of excitatory currents (Na+ and K+ ion channels) (Zhang et al, 2003; Wu et al, 2006). Other factors, such as the cable effect and spaceclamping errors, should be taken into consideration (Johnston and Brown, 1983; Spruston et al, 1993)
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