Neuronal Signaling
Neuronal Signaling - Related Videos
02:36
In Vivo Recording of Intracellular Signals from a Single Neuron
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2025
This video demonstrates the recording of electrical signals from single brain neurons using a fine-tipped glass micropipette and a specialized setup. The micropipette is carefully inserted into the rat's brain and is buzzed to penetrate the neuron to record internal neuronal electrical signals.
02:29
Modulating Sensory Neuronal Signaling in a Mouse Model Using Near Infrared Light
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2025
Source: Zhang, L., et al. Near Infrared (NIr) Light Increases Expression of a Marker of Mitochondrial Function in the Mouse Vestibular Sensory Epithelium. J. Vis. Exp. (2015)This video demonstrates the process of applying NIr light to a shaved mouse scalp to activate vestibular neurons and stimulate superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) production, supporting neuronal function. The procedure highlights NIr therapy as a neuroprotective strategy.
04:06
Monitoring Electrical Signals from the Afferent Neurons in an Immobilized Zebrafish Larva
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2025
This video demonstrates the recording of electrical signals from the afferent neurons in a paralyzed zebrafish larva by positioning a micropipette near the lateral line ganglion and forming a loose seal for signal capture. The extracellular solution maintains neuronal viability during this process.
11:27
Interfacing Microfluidics with Microelectrode Arrays for Studying Neuronal Communication and Axonal Signal Propagation
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Cited by 16 •
2018
This protocol aims to demonstrate how to combine in vitro microelectrode arrays with microfluidic devices for studying action potential transmission in neuronal cultures. Data analysis, namely the detection and characterization of propagating action potentials, is performed using a new advanced, yet user-friendly and freely available, computational tool.
11:24
Targeted Labeling of Neurons in a Specific Functional Micro-domain of the Neocortex by Combining Intrinsic Signal and Two-photon Imaging
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Cited by 15 •
2012
A method is described for labeling neurons with fluorescent dyes in predetermined functional micro-domains of the neocortex. First, intrinsic signal optical imaging is used to obtain a functional map. Then two-photon microscopy is used to label and image neurons within a micro-domain of the map.
FAQs
Changes in ion-channel activity alter a neuron's membrane potential and can generate an action potential. That electrical event travels along the axon, allowing information to move from the cell body toward its downstream connection. This sequence links local membrane events to rapid, directed communication across neural pathways.
Receptor binding determines whether a receiving cell becomes more or less likely to respond. Neurotransmitters can produce excitation or inhibition, so the same stage of communication can either promote downstream signaling or restrain it. This opposing influence allows neural circuits to regulate signal flow rather than simply pass every incoming message forward unchanged.
Integration gives a neuron a decision point between incoming information and downstream output. Excitatory and inhibitory influences are combined, and the resulting membrane state determines whether an action potential is generated. This arrangement allows individual cells to participate in circuit-level processing because their outputs reflect the combined pattern of signals arriving from other neurons.
Electrical signaling carries the action potential along the axon, whereas chemical signaling operates at the synapse through neurotransmitters and receptors. The two stages solve different communication problems: the first conveys information within a neuron, and the second transfers its influence to a neighboring cell while permitting excitation or inhibition.
Studying neuronal signaling helps connect cellular communication with neurological and psychiatric disease. If signaling is disrupted, the resulting circuit dysfunction can contribute to epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or depression. Examining how information is generated, transmitted, and received therefore helps frame these conditions as problems of neural communication, not only as isolated symptoms.
Neuronal signaling knowledge supports neuroactive drug development by providing a framework for understanding which communication steps influence neural activity. Relevant steps include ion-channel changes, action-potential transmission, neurotransmitter release, and receptor binding. This framework connects molecular events with changes in circuit function and behavior across neural systems.
Understanding neuronal signaling is relevant to brain-computer interfaces because these systems depend on information carried by neural activity. The same knowledge supports strategies for repairing nervous system function, linking basic study of ion channels, axons, synapses, and receptors to practical goals. Together, these applications show how cellular communication can inform both translation and restoration.