This article describes a microfluidic device setup for drug infusion and neural signal recording in a mouse brain. The process involves precise electrode placement and drug delivery to study neural activity.
Begin with a microfluidic device with an input system connected to a drug pump and a marker pump.
The input and output systems connect via a capillary tube filled with drug solution.
The output connects to a flushing line and a microinjectrode fitted on a microdrive.
The microinjectrode contains a recording electrode inserted into a cannula.
Pump the oil-based marker solution until an interface appears within the capillary tube.
Retract the electrode from the cannula to prevent damage during penetration.
Attach the microdrive to the recording chamber affixed over an exposed mouse brain.
Lower the cannula to penetrate the brain, reaching above the recording site.
Push the electrode for neural signal recording and connect it to a recording device.
Lower the microelectrode to reach the recording site.
Turn the output valve and infuse the marker solution, delivering the drug solution.
Monitor the interface to infuse the desired drug volume with simultaneous recording.
After the necessary experimental setup, retract the microelectrode into the cannula by loosening the top ferrule. Attach the MicroDrive to the recording chamber and lower the guide tube to penetrate the dura. Next, lower the microinjectrode to about 2 millimeters above the recording site located in the brain. Tighten the top ferrule and connect the gold pins to the recording system.
Keep advancing the microinjectrode to the target site. Then switch the output valve to the brain line. For infusion experiments, use the manual microsyringe pump to move the column of oil by 0.5 centimeters every minute. Once the desired volume has been infused, switch the output valve towards the flushing line.
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