Abstract
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.
Highlights
We first prepare a 2L of a 10X stock of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) without magnesium or calcium
The aCSF solution must be gassed with carbogen (95% O2/ 5% CO2) to lower the pH before adding calcium or the calcium will precipitate
The isolated neonatal spinal cord provides a tractable method of studying nervous system development1,2
Summary
We first prepare a 2L of a 10X stock of aCSF without magnesium or calcium. 2 Liters 10X aCSF (without Mg or Ca) Reagent KCl NaCl NaHCO3 NaH2PO4 Glucose Add distilled water to 2L We will 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. The aCSF solution must be gassed with carbogen (95% O2/ 5% CO2) to lower the pH before adding calcium or the calcium will precipitate.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
