scholarly journals An Algorithm for Tracking the Position and Velocity of Multiple Neuronal Signals Using Implantable Microelectrodes In Vivo

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1346
Author(s):  
Lionel M. Broche ◽  
Karla D. Bustamante ◽  
Michael Pycraft Hughes

Increasingly complex multi-electrode arrays for the study of neurons both in vitro and in vivo have been developed with the aim of tracking the conduction of neural action potentials across a complex interconnected network. This is usually performed through the use of electrodes to record from single or small groups of microelectrodes, and using only one electrode to monitor an action potential at any given time. More complex high-density electrode structures (with thousands of electrodes or more) capable of tracking action potential propagation have been developed but are not widely available. We have developed an algorithm taking data from clusters of electrodes positioned such that action potentials are detected by multiple sites, and using this to detect the location and velocity of action potentials from multiple neurons. The system has been tested by analyzing recordings from probes implanted into the locust nervous system, where recorded positions and velocities correlate well with the known physical form of the nerve.

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 746-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousheng Shu ◽  
Alvaro Duque ◽  
Yuguo Yu ◽  
Bilal Haider ◽  
David A. McCormick

Cortical pyramidal cells are constantly bombarded by synaptic activity, much of which arises from other cortical neurons, both in normal conditions and during epileptic seizures. The action potentials generated by barrages of synaptic activity may exhibit a variable site of origin. Here we performed simultaneous whole cell recordings from the soma and axon or soma and apical dendrite of layer 5 pyramidal neurons during normal recurrent network activity (up states), the intrasomatic or intradendritic injection of artificial synaptic barrages, and during epileptiform discharges in vitro. We demonstrate that under all of these conditions, the real or artificial synaptic bombardments propagate through the dendrosomatic-axonal arbor and consistently initiate action potentials in the axon initial segment that then propagate to other parts of the cell. Action potentials recorded intracellularly in vivo during up states and in response to visual stimulation exhibit properties indicating that they are typically initiated in the axon. Intracortical axons were particularly well suited to faithfully follow the generation of action potentials by the axon initial segment. Action-potential generation was more reliable in the distal axon than at the soma during epileptiform activity. These results indicate that the axon is the preferred site of action-potential initiation in cortical pyramidal cells, both in vivo and in vitro, with state-dependent back propagation through the somatic and dendritic compartments.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Paolo Buccino ◽  
Xinyue Yuan ◽  
Vishalini Emmenegger ◽  
Xiaohan Xue ◽  
Tobias Gaenswein ◽  
...  

Neurons communicate with each other by sending action potentials through their axons. The velocity of axonal signal propagation describes how fast electrical action potentials can travel, and can be affected in a human brain by several pathologies, including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and channelopathies. High-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) provide unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution to extracellularly record neural electrical activity. The high density of the recording electrodes enables to image the activity of individual neurons down to subcellular resolution, which includes the propagation of axonal signals. However, axon reconstruction, to date, mainly relies on a manual approach to select the electrodes and channels that seemingly record the signals along a specific axon, while an automated approach to track multiple axonal branches in extracellular action-potential recordings is still missing. In this article, we propose a fully automated approach to reconstruct axons from extracellular electrical-potential landscapes, so-called "electrical footprints" of neurons. After an initial electrode and channel selection, the proposed method first constructs a graph, based on the voltage signal amplitudes and latencies. Then, the graph is interrogated to extract possible axonal branches. Finally, the axonal branches are pruned and axonal action-potential propagation velocities are computed. We first validate our method using simulated data from detailed reconstructions of neurons, showing that our approach is capable of accurately reconstructing axonal branches. We then apply the reconstruction algorithm to experimental recordings of HD-MEAs and show that it can be used to determine axonal morphologies and signal-propagation velocities at high throughput. We introduce a fully automated method to reconstruct axonal branches and estimate axonal action-potential propagation velocities using HD-MEA recordings. Our method yields highly reliable and reproducible velocity estimations, which constitute an important electrophysiological feature of neuronal preparations.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth R. Tovar ◽  
Daniel C. Bridges ◽  
Bian Wu ◽  
Connor Randall ◽  
Morgane Audouard ◽  
...  

AbstractThe small caliber of central nervous system (CNS) axons makes routine study of axonal physiology relatively difficult. However, while recording extracellular action potentials from neurons cultured on planer multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) we found activity among groups of electrodes consistent with action potential propagation in single neurons. Action potential propagation was evident as widespread, repetitive cooccurrence of extracellular action potentials (eAPs) among groups of electrodes. These eAPs occurred with invariant sequences and inter-electrode latencies that were consistent with reported measures of action potential propagation in unmyelinated axons. Within co-active electrode groups, the inter-electrode eAP latencies were temperature sensitive, as expected for action potential propagation. Our data are consistent with these signals primarily reflecting axonal action potential propagation, from axons with a high density of voltage-gated sodium channels. Repeated codetection of eAPs by multiple electrodes confirmed these eAPs are from individual neurons and averaging these eAPs revealed sub-threshold events at other electrodes. The sequence of electrodes at which eAPs co-occur uniquely identifies these neurons, allowing us to monitor spiking of single identified neurons within neuronal ensembles. We recorded dynamic changes in single axon physiology such as simultaneous increases and decreases in excitability in different portions of single axonal arbors over several hours. Over several weeks, we measured changes in inter-electrode propagation latencies and ongoing changes in excitability in different regions of single axonal arbors. We recorded action potential propagation signals in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons which could thus be used to study axonal physiology in human disease models.Significance StatementStudying the physiology of central nervous system axons is limited by the technical challenges of recording from axons with pairs of patch or extracellular electrodes at two places along single axons. We studied action potential propagation in single axonal arbors with extracellular recording with multi-electrode arrays. These recordings were non-invasive and were done from several sites of small caliber axons and branches. Unlike conventional extracellular recording, we unambiguously identified and labelled the neuronal source of propagating action potentials. We manipulated and quantified action potential propagation and found a surprisingly high density of axonal voltage-gated sodium channels. Our experiments also demonstrate that the excitability of different portions of axonal arbors can be independently regulated on time scales from hours to weeks.


1983 ◽  
Vol 244 (3) ◽  
pp. G291-G294 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Koch ◽  
J. L. Martin ◽  
J. R. Mathias

The objective of this study was to determine whether cholera-exposed rabbit ileum exhibits altered myoelectric activity in vitro, without central nervous system connections. Whole-cell lysate of Vibrio cholerae, 100 mg in 1 ml saline, was injected into the jejunum of New Zealand White rabbits. Segments of ileum were removed at 12 and 24 h after inoculation and studied in vitro using myoelectric recording techniques. Propagating ring contractions were visualized and corresponded to intense action-potential activity that propagated over consecutive electrode sites. This altered myoelectric activity was similar to the previously described migrating action-potential complex (MAPC) in vivo after infection of rabbit ileum with live V. cholerae, its wholecell lysate, or the purified enterotoxin choleragen, with one exception. All MAPC activity propagated aborally in the in vivo-infected loops; in contrast 26% of the MAPCs propagated retrograde in the in vitro loops. Control segments were injected with saline, and no in vitro MAPCs were observed. Thus, the MAPC stimulated by cholera toxin may be maintained by the enteric nervous system of the gut wall. Although a role for extrinsic nerves is not excluded, our observations suggest that the small intestine may work autonomously, independent of the central nervous system.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A7-A7
Author(s):  
C J Dykstra-Aiello ◽  
K Koh ◽  
J Nguyen ◽  
J M Krueger

Abstract Introduction Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has sleep regulatory roles. Neuronal action potentials enhance TNF expression. Neuron/glia co-cultures exhibit more intense local sleep-like states after TNF administration in vitro. Both TNF and TNF receptors (Rs) are produced as transmembrane (tm) proteins that can subsequently be cleaved to produce soluble (s) forms. With immunocytes, sTNFR can bind tmTNF and induce reverse signaling within the cell expressing the tmTNF. This is opposite of conventional signaling induced by soluble ligands (e.g. sTNF) binding to transmembrane receptors. Having previously shown sleep inhibition after sTNFR administration in vivo, we hypothesized that tmTNF-sTNFR binding would induce wake-like states in vitro through reverse signaling. Methods Somatosensory cortical neurons/glia, from wildtype (WT) mice and mice lacking either TNF (TNF-KO) or both TNFRs (TNFR-KO), were co-cultured on multi-electrode arrays. Daily one-hour recordings were taken consecutively on incubation days 4 - 13 for development analyses. On day 14, a one-hour baseline was recorded prior to treatment with sTNFR (0.0 ng/μL-120 ng/μL). Immediately after treatment, recordings resumed for one hour. Synchronization of electrical activity (SYN), action potentials, slow wave power (SWP; 0.25–3.75 Hz), and burstiness index (measures used to define sleep in vivo) were used to characterize the ontological emergence of these electrophysiological properties and sTNFR-induced changes in vitro. Results Development rates were reduced in TNF-KO cells and increased in TNFR-KO cells relative to each other and to WT mice. Additionally, after sTNFR treatments, cells from TNFR-KO mice, which still express TNF, exhibited dose-dependent decreased SYN and SWP, indicative of a wake-like state. In contrast, cells from TNF-KO mice lacked a response to sTNFR treatment. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of reverse TNF signaling with respect to sleep/wake states. As such, it provides a new way of viewing state regulation and associated potential clinical applications. Support This work was supported by grant NS096250 awarded to JK by NIH/NINDS.


EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1431-1441
Author(s):  
Cristina Altrocchi ◽  
Tessa de Korte ◽  
Joyce Bernardi ◽  
Roel L H M G Spätjens ◽  
Stefan R Braam ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have proven valuable for studies in drug discovery and safety, although limitations regarding their structural and electrophysiological characteristics persist. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological properties of Pluricyte® CMs, a commercially available hiPSC-CMs line with a ventricular phenotype, and assessed arrhythmia incidence by IKr block at the single-cell and 2D monolayer level. Methods and results Action potentials were measured at different pacing frequencies, using dynamic clamp. Through voltage-clamp experiments, we determined the properties of INa, IKr, and ICaL. Intracellular Ca2+ measurements included Ca2+-transients at baseline and during caffeine perfusion. Effects of IKr block were assessed in single hiPSC-CMs and 2D monolayers (multi-electrode arrays). Action-potential duration (APD) and its rate dependence in Pluricyte® CMs were comparable to those reported for native human CMs. INa, IKr, and ICaL revealed amplitudes, kinetics, and voltage dependence of activation/inactivation similar to other hiPSC-CM lines and, to some extent, to native CMs. Near-physiological Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, response to caffeine and excitation–contraction coupling gain characterized the cellular Ca2+-handling. Dofetilide prolonged the APD and field-potential duration, and induced early afterdepolarizations. Beat-to-beat variability of repolarization duration increased significantly before the first arrhythmic events in single Pluricyte® CMs and 2D monolayers, and predicted pending arrhythmias better than action-potential prolongation. Conclusion Taking their ion-current characteristics and Ca2+ handling into account, Pluricyte® CMs are suitable for in vitro studies on action potentials and field potentials. Beat-to-beat variability of repolarization duration proved useful to evaluate the dynamics of repolarization instability and demonstrated its significance as proarrhythmic marker in hiPSC-CMs during IKr block.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Celinda M. Kofron ◽  
Tae Yun Kim ◽  
Fabiola Munarin ◽  
Arvin H. Soepriatna ◽  
Rajeev J. Kant ◽  
...  

AbstractCardiotoxicity of pharmaceutical drugs, industrial chemicals, and environmental toxicants can be severe, even life threatening, which necessitates a thorough evaluation of the human response to chemical compounds. Predicting risks for arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death accurately is critical for defining safety profiles. Currently available approaches have limitations including a focus on single select ion channels, the use of non-human species in vitro and in vivo, and limited direct physiological translation. We have advanced the robustness and reproducibility of in vitro platforms for assessing pro-arrhythmic cardiotoxicity using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and human cardiac fibroblasts in 3-dimensional microtissues. Using automated algorithms and statistical analyses of eight comprehensive evaluation metrics of cardiac action potentials, we demonstrate that tissue-engineered human cardiac microtissues respond appropriately to physiological stimuli and effectively differentiate between high-risk and low-risk compounds exhibiting blockade of the hERG channel (E4031 and ranolazine, respectively). Further, we show that the environmental endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) causes acute and sensitive disruption of human action potentials in the nanomolar range. Thus, this novel human 3D in vitro pro-arrhythmic risk assessment platform addresses critical needs in cardiotoxicity testing for both environmental and pharmaceutical compounds and can be leveraged to establish safe human exposure levels.


1946 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Edward Sulkin ◽  
Christine Zarafonetis ◽  
Andres Goth

Anesthesia with diethyl ether significantly alters the course and outcome of experimental infections with the equine encephalomyelitis virus (Eastern or Western type) or with the St. Louis encephalitis virus. No comparable effect is observed in experimental infections produced with rabies or poliomyelitis (Lansing) viruses. The neurotropic virus infections altered by ether anesthesia are those caused by viruses which are destroyed in vitro by this anesthetic, and those infections not affected by ether anesthesia are caused by viruses which apparently are not destroyed by ether in vitro. Another striking difference between these two groups of viruses is their pathogenesis in the animal host; those which are inhibited in vivo by ether anesthesia tend to infect cells of the cortex, basal ganglia, and only occasionally the cervical region of the cord. On the other hand, those which are not inhibited in vivo by ether anesthesia tend to involve cells of the lower central nervous system and in the case of rabies, peripheral nerves. This difference is of considerable importance in view of the fact that anesthetics affect cells of the lower central nervous system only in very high concentrations. It is obvious from the complexity of the problem that no clear-cut statement can be made at this point as to the mechanism of the observed effect of ether anesthesia in reducing the mortality rate in certain of the experimental neurotropic virus infections. Important possibilities include a direct specific effect of diethyl ether upon the virus and a less direct effect of the anesthetic upon the virus through its alteration of the metabolism of the host cell.


2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 859-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingfeng He ◽  
Hongquan Dong ◽  
Yahui Huang ◽  
Shunmei Lu ◽  
Shu Zhang ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Microglia are an essential player in central nervous system inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated that the astrocytic chemokine, CCL2, is associated with microglial activation in vivo. However, CCL2-induced microglial activation has not yet been studied in vitro. The purpose of the current study was to understand the role of astrocyte-derived CCL2 in microglial activation and to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s). Methods: Primary astrocytes were pre-treated with CCL2 siRNA and stimulated with TNF-α. The culture medium (CM) was collected and added to cultures of microglia, which were incubated with and without CCR2 inhibitor. Microglial cells were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR to determine whether they polarized to the M1 or M2 state. Microglial migratory ability was assessed by transwell migration assay. Results: TNF-α stimulated the release of CCL2 from astrocytes, even if the culture media containing TNF-α was replaced with fresh media after 3 h. CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes successfully induced microglial activation, which was ascertained by increased activation of M1 and enhanced migration ability. In contrast, CM from astrocytes pretreated with CCL2 siRNA showed no effect on microglial activation, compared to controls. Additionally, microglia pre-treated with RS102895, a CCR2 inhibitor, were resistant to activation by CM from TNF-α-stimulated astrocytes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the CCL2/CCR2 pathway of astrocyte-induced microglial activation is associated with M1 polarization and enhanced migration ability, indicating that this pathway could be a useful target to ameliorate inflammation in the central nervous system.


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