Using Neuron Spiking Activity to Trigger Closed-Loop Stimuli in Neurophysiological Experiments

Leonardo  A. Molina; Victorita  E. Ivan; Aaron J. Gruber; Artur Luczak

doi:10.3791/59812

Using Neuron Spiking Activity to Trigger Closed-Loop Stimuli in Neurophysiological Experiments

JoVE Journal
Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Using Neuron Spiking Activity to Trigger Closed-Loop Stimuli in Neurophysiological Experiments

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05:19 min

November 12, 2019

DOI: 10.3791/59812-v

Leonardo A. Molina^1,2, Victorita E. Ivan¹, Aaron J. Gruber*¹, Artur Luczak*¹

¹Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience,University of Lethbridge, ²Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine,University of Calgary

Overview

This protocol demonstrates the use of an electrophysiological system for closed-loop stimulation based on neuronal activity patterns. It enables neuroscientists, even with limited computer science expertise, to conduct closed-loop experiments efficiently and cost-effectively. The protocol includes sample MATLAB code for implementation and is exemplified with recordings from an awake rat, showcasing the real-time interaction between neural spikes and stimulation.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Electrophysiology
Closed-loop systems

Background

Closed-loop stimulation is critical for studying causal interactions in the brain.
This approach is particularly useful in epilepsy research to alleviate seizure severity.
The protocol addresses the need for accessible closed-loop systems in neuroscience.

Purpose of Study

To provide a method for implementing closed-loop stimulation with minimal cost and expertise.
To facilitate the study of neuronal activity and responses through real-time stimulation.
To enable researchers to understand information processing in the brain better.

Methods Used

The study employs a standard neurophysiological recording system for closed-loop experiments.
Recording from awake rats was used as the biological model.
MATLAB code is provided for customization and conversion of open-loop systems.
Key steps include data acquisition, sorting of spiking data, and defining stimulation parameters.
The closed-loop experiment involves real-time triggering of stimuli based on neural activity.

Main Results

The protocol allows for stimulation based on the activity of multiple neurons, enhancing the understanding of neural interactions.
Spiking data were used to trigger external stimuli, demonstrating effective closed-loop feedback.
Real-time visualization of neural activity was achieved through the MATLAB interface.
Key findings highlight the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the MATLAB-based solution.

Conclusions

This study enables researchers to implement and adopt closed-loop stimulation techniques easily.
The findings have implications for advancing the understanding of neuronal mechanisms and brain functions.
Flexible stimulation patterns contribute to addressing various neuroscientific questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using this closed-loop system?

The system is cost-effective and user-friendly, making it accessible for researchers with limited programming skills.

How is the biological model implemented in the protocol?

The protocol utilizes recordings from awake rats to explore neuronal activity and responses in real-time.

What types of data are obtained from this method?

The method provides spiking data that can trigger external stimuli, allowing researchers to analyze neuronal interactions.

Can the method be adapted for different experimental setups?

Yes, the provided MATLAB code can be modified for various stimulation devices and experiments as needed.

What are key considerations when implementing this protocol?

Users should ensure proper software installation and understand the parameters defining neuron activity triggering.

How does the timing in the closed-loop experiment work?

The system triggers stimuli based on predefined spiking activity parameters, which can be defined using MATLAB.

What is the importance of this protocol in neuroscience research?

It significantly enhances the ability to study causal interactions in the brain, paving the way for new insights in neuroscience.

This protocol demonstrates how to use an electrophysiological system for closed-loop stimulation triggered by neuronal activity patterns. Sample Matlab code that can be easily modified for different stimulation devices is also provided.

This standard neurophysiological recording system can be used to perform a closed-loop stimulation which is useful for studying causal interactions in the brain. This protocol allows neuroscientists with only limited expertise in computer science to rapidly implement a variety of closed-loop experiments with little cost. Closed-loop experiments have becaming increasingly important for basic science and research.

For instance, multiple epilepsy studies have shown that neuron stimulation trigger on seizure onset is an an effective approach to reduce the severity of seizures. To facilitate the adoption of closed-loop experiments in neuroscience research, this protocol provides MATLAB code to convert an open-loop electrophysiological recording system into a closed-loop system. This implementation of closed-loop stimulation is demonstrated in an awake rat.

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