In Vivo Recording of Intracellular Signals from a Single Neuron

Begin with a glass micropipette and fill it with an ionic solution.

Attach the prepared micropipette to a holder with a connector wire. The holder is secured in a micromanipulator.

The setup is connected to an intracellular amplifier, which converts ionic signals within the neuron into readable electrical outputs.

Place a reference electrode on the neck muscles of an anesthetized rat with its skull exposed.

Insert the micropipette into the target brain region. This results in a voltage change. Rectify this change using the amplifier.

Remove any moisture at the site and seal the opening with a sealing agent to minimize brain movements.

Gradually lower the micropipette until a significant increase in resistance is observed, indicating contact of the micropipette with the membrane of a neuron.

Use a transient electrical pulse to disrupt the membrane, creating a temporary opening for micropipette penetration.

Record the electrical signals from within the neuron.