Electrophysiological and Morphological Characterization of Neuronal Microcircuits in Acute Brain Slices Using Paired Patch-Clamp Recordings

The overall goal of the following experiment is to demonstrate how synaptic connections between morphologically identified neurons are characterized both functionally and structurally. This is achieved by obtaining acute brain slices, which are optimized for studying a particular synaptic connection. Patch clamping is then used to test for synaptically coupled neurons.

For this, an individual prospective post-synaptic neuron is patched, and a second pipette is then used to stimulate surrounding neurons in order to establish the existence of a synaptic connection. If no response is seen, the stimulating electrode is moved. Once a connection is found, the presynaptic neuron is rematched in wholesale mode.