Synaptically-evoked Currents
Synaptically-evoked Currents - Related Videos
19:33
Whole-cell Recordings of Light Evoked Excitatory Synaptic Currents in the Retinal Slice
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Cited by 2 •
2008
This video shows the process of whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in the retinal slice of the aquatic tiger salamander. We demonstrate the preparation of the slice as well as how to perform patch clamp recordings during visual stimulation of the retina.
03:09
Impact of Direct Current Stimulation on Evoked Epileptic Seizures in Mouse Brain Slices
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2025
The video demonstrates a study for assessing the impact of direct current stimulation (DCS) on epileptic seizures in mouse brain slices. The brain slices containing the connected medial thalamus (MT) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) regions are placed in a multielectrode array (MEA). Electrical stimuli to the MT and seizure-inducing drugs are applied to induce epileptic seizures in the ACC. DCS is then applied to assess its impact on evoked seizures.
16:38
Dual Electrophysiological Recordings of Synaptically-evoked Astroglial and Neuronal Responses in Acute Hippocampal Slices
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Cited by 19 •
2012
The preparation of acute brain slices from isolated hippocampi, as well as the simultaneous electrophysiological recordings of astrocytes and neurons in stratum radiatum during stimulation of schaffer collaterals is described. The pharmacological isolation of astroglial potassium and glutamate transporter currents is demonstrated.
03:11
Recording Synaptic Currents at the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction
0 Views •
2025
This video demonstrates the technique for recording synaptic currents from a synaptic bouton at the Drosophila larva's neuromuscular junction. This technique enables monitoring the activity of a single synaptic bouton, which is important for the study of mutant fly lines with enhanced spontaneous or asynchronous synaptic activity.
09:42
Deriving the Time Course of Glutamate Clearance with a Deconvolution Analysis of Astrocytic Transporter Currents
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Cited by 11 •
2013
We describe an analytical method to estimate the lifetime of glutamate at astrocytic membranes from electrophysiological recordings of glutamate transporter currents in astrocytes.
FAQs
Presynaptic stimulation initiates neurotransmitter release at the synapse. The transmitter then binds receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, causing ligand-gated ion channels to open and permitting ion flow through the membrane. This receptor-driven conductance creates a current whose timing and magnitude reflect the postsynaptic response, linking presynaptic activity to measurable neuronal communication.
Excitatory postsynaptic currents and inhibitory postsynaptic currents represent different effects of synaptic input on the postsynaptic neuron. Their relative contributions reveal whether a circuit favors excitation, inhibition, or a changing balance between the two. Measuring both types helps researchers characterize how neural circuits integrate inputs rather than examining synaptic activity as a single undifferentiated signal.
The recorded current can provide information about synaptic strength, receptor kinetics, and transmission probability. Synaptic strength describes the effectiveness of the connection, whereas receptor kinetics concern the timing of the receptor-mediated response. Transmission probability reflects how reliably presynaptic activity produces a postsynaptic event. Together, these measures separate aspects of synaptic performance that may change independently.
In a voltage-clamp experiment, electrophysiological recording is used to measure the current associated with synaptic activation while examining the postsynaptic response under controlled electrical conditions. Researchers stimulate presynaptic activity, record the resulting postsynaptic current, and analyze its characteristics. This approach makes synaptic communication directly measurable and supports comparisons of strength, kinetics, and excitatory or inhibitory effects.
A typical workflow links presynaptic stimulation with electrophysiological recording from the postsynaptic neuron. The stimulation triggers neurotransmitter release, receptors respond on the receiving cell, and the resulting ion flow is recorded as a postsynaptic current. Researchers then evaluate the response to characterize synaptic transmission, including its strength, receptor kinetics, and transmission probability.
These measurements are useful when researchers need a direct functional readout of communication between neurons. They can characterize neural circuits, compare synaptic function across developmental stages, investigate disease-related changes, and evaluate how drugs modify transmission. Because the currents reflect receptor-mediated responses, they also help connect changes in cellular signaling with broader alterations in excitation and inhibition.