Ventral Root Recording
Ventral Root Recording - Related Videos
09:10
The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation
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Cited by 1 •
2016
We show how to prepare oblique slices of the spinal cord in young mice. This preparation allows for the stimulation of the ventral roots.
12:00
Patch Clamp Recordings on Intact Dorsal Root Ganglia from Adult Rats
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Cited by 8 •
2016
This manuscript describes how to prepare intact dorsal root ganglia for patch clamp recordings. This preparation maintains the microenvironment for neurons and satellite glial cells, thus avoiding the phenotypic and functional changes seen using dissociated DRG neurons.
02:59
Auditory Nerve Root Stimulation and Postsynaptic Current Recordings in a Mouse Brain Wedge Slice
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2025
This video demonstrates a protocol for stimulating the auditory nerve root and recording postsynaptic currents in medial olivocochlear neurons in mouse brain wedge slices.
09:48
Measuring Spinal Presynaptic Inhibition in Mice By Dorsal Root Potential Recording In Vivo
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Cited by 5 •
2014
GABAergic presynaptic inhibition is a powerful inhibitory mechanism in the spinal cord important for motor and sensory signal integration in spinal cord networks. Underlying primary afferent depolarization can be measured by recording of dorsal root potentials (DRP). Here we demonstrate a method of in vivo recording of DRP in mice.
04:11
Whole-Cell Patch Clamp Recordings on Intact Rat Dorsal Root Ganglia
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2025
This video demonstrates the examination of sensory neuron excitability in the dorsal root ganglia using the patch clamp technique to measure the rheobase and membrane potential, analyzing the neurons' responses to incremental current injections.
FAQs
Ventral root recordings capture compound action potentials, meaning the summed electrical activity of multiple motor axon fibers rather than the response of a single neuron. This population signal provides a readout of spinal motor output. Its magnitude or pattern can therefore be compared across experimental conditions to evaluate how strongly spinal circuits recruit muscle-directed axons.
A change in recorded activity can reflect altered motor neuron excitability, altered synaptic transmission, or both, because spinal circuits determine when motor axons become active. Researchers interpret these signals alongside an experimental manipulation, such as sensory stimulation or drug exposure, to examine how that manipulation changes communication within the spinal motor network.
Ventral root recordings can examine reflex pathways associated with sensory inputs and rhythmic locomotor activity associated with spinal circuits. This makes the same output measure relevant to rapid stimulus-linked responses and ongoing network activity. Comparing these forms of activity helps researchers investigate how spinal organization supports different patterns of motor control.
A typical experiment uses an isolated spinal cord or nerve preparation and extracellular electrodes positioned to monitor activity in a ventral spinal nerve root. Researchers record the electrical output while spinal circuits are activated or exposed to defined conditions. The resulting signal provides a direct experimental readout of activity traveling through motor axons.
Sensory inputs, neurotransmitters, and drugs serve as experimental factors that can alter spinal motor output. Researchers assess the resulting changes in ventral root signals to determine whether these factors modify motor neuron excitability, synaptic transmission, reflex pathways, or network activity. This approach connects a controlled manipulation with functional changes in spinal circuitry.
Ventral root recording links electrical activity in spinal motor axons with the functional state of the underlying circuits. After injury or during other experimental changes, altered signals can be used to assess motor function and network organization. The method therefore supports investigations of how spinal circuitry is disrupted, reorganized, or modulated.