Recording EEG in Freely Moving Neonatal Rats Using a Novel Method

Summary

Here, we introduce a novel technique designed to record electroencephalography (EEG) in freely moving neonatal epileptic pups and describe its procedures, features, and applications. This method allows one to record EEG for more than 1 week.

Abstract

EEG is a useful method to detect electrical activity in the brain. Moreover, it is a widely used diagnostic tool for various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders. However, it is technically difficult to obtain EEG recordings in neonates as it requires specialized handling and great care. Here, we present a novel method to record EEG in neonatal rat pups (P8-P15). We designed a simple and reliable electrode using computer pin loci; it can be easily implanted into the skull of a rat pup to record high-quality EEG signals in the normal and epileptic brain. Pups were given an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the neurotoxin kainic acid (KA) to induce epileptic seizures. The surgical implantation performed in this procedure is less expensive than other EEG procedures for neonates. This method allows one to record high-quality and stable EEG signals for more than 1 week. Furthermore, this procedure can also be applied to adult rats and mice to study epilepsy or other neurological disorders.

Introduction

It is well established that continuous communication between neurons is required to obtain normal brain function. The interneuronal communication primarily takes place at synapses, where information from one neuron is conveyed to a second neuron. This synaptic transmission is mediated by two types of dedicated structural arrangements: electrical or chemical synapses ¹. Electrophysiology is the field that captures the electrical potential produced during interneuronal communication that control overall body functions and behavior ². EEG is the most commonly used method among many electrophysiological techniques.

Protocol

Animal care, surgical procedure, and recording procedures were in accordance with the guidelines for the South China Normal University Animal Care and Use Committee.

1. Electrode Preparation (Figure 1A-C)

NOTE: Computer pin loci is simply a pronged contact as a part of signal interface in communication devices. It consists of a male connector that plugs into the female connector.

1. Carefully separate the male and female pins from the computer pin loci (Figure 1A) with the help of a pincer. Connect the male and female pins together to form an electrode and apply cyanoacrylate to cre....

Results

If the above surgical procedures are conducted properly, one channel rat neonatal pup EEG recording will be successfully performed. 10 min after the KA injection, a regular pattern of behavioral signs emerged in the form of irregular movements and scratching, tremors, and loss of balance. Figure 2 shows the representative raw EEG traces and interictal, ictal-tonic, and ictal-clonic expanded traces. Recurrent interictal and ictal EEG discharge patterns started 15-60 min (30 ±5.2 min; mean .......

Discussion

Here, we report surgical and recording procedures to acquire EEG in freely moving neonatal rat pups by wired method (Figure 3). It has been suggested that the P7-P12 rat pup is at the developmental age that corresponds to a full-term human neonate ^10,11. It is technically difficult to obtain high-quality EEG recording data when working with rat pups in this age group. In addition, it requires specialized handling and great care ^.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Computer pin
Pincer	DELI Group Co., Ltd.
502 super glue	DELI Group Co., Ltd.	7144
Drying oven	Boxun	GZX-9140MBE
Isofluorane	RWD Life Science	902-0000-522
Stereotaxic apparatus	RWD Life Science	900-0068-507
Anesthesia apparatus	RWD Life Science	902-0000-510
Homeothermic Heating Device	Harvard Apparatus	K 024509
Amplifier Model 3000	A-M Systems	61558
Micro1401 Analog Digital converter	Cambridge Electronic Design Ltd.	4383	Data acquisition unit
Spike2	Cambridge Electronic Design Ltd.