Applying Noise Currents to Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neurons Using Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique

Take a mouse brainstem slice containing the medial vestibular nucleus, or MVN.

Secure the slice in a recording chamber filled with artificial cerebrospinal fluid to maintain neuronal viability.

Visualize the slice under a microscope to locate MVN neurons.

Apply positive pressure to advance a micropipette filled with an intracellular environment-mimicking solution through the tissue.

As the pipette contacts a neuron, the neuronal membrane will dimple.

Apply negative pressure to aspirate a small membrane portion, creating a tight seal.

Next, apply negative pressure pulses to rupture the membrane, creating a continuous connection between the neuron and the pipette.

Apply random noise amplitudes to the neuron and identify a subthreshold amplitude beyond which the noise induces neuronal firing.

Finally, apply a range of electrical stimuli to the neuron combined with the subthreshold random noise amplitude.

Measure neuronal gain — the neuron's ability to modulate its firing response to the stimuli in the presence of noise.

For whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, first, pull micropipettes with a final resistance that will range from 3 to 5 megaohms when filled with a potassium-based