Simultaneous Whole-cell Recordings from Photoreceptors and Second-order Neurons in an Amphibian Retinal Slice Preparation

• DOI: 10.3791/50007
• Publication Date: 2013-06-01T17:37:53Z
• Authors: Matthew J. Van Hook; Wallace B. Thoreson
• Keywords: Retinal waves; Multielectrode array; Tiger salamander

One of the central tasks in retinal neuroscience is to understand circuitry neurons and how those connections are responsible for shaping signals transmitted brain. Photons detected retina by rod cone photoreceptors, which convert that energy into an electrical signal, transmitting it other neurons, where processed communicated targets brain via optic nerve. Important early insights visual processing came from histological studies Cajal and, later, electrophysiological recordings spiking activity ganglion cells--the output cells retina. A detailed understanding requires signaling at each step pathway photoreceptor cell. However, many cell types buried deep tissue therefore relatively inaccessible recording. This limitation can be overcome working with vertical slices, residing within layers clearly visible accessible Here, we describe a method making sections retinas larval tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum). While this preparation was originally developed sharp microelectrodes, dual whole-cell voltage clamp photoreceptors second-order horizontal bipolar manipulate photoreceptor's membrane potential while simultaneously recording post-synaptic responses or cells. The salamander considerably larger than mammalian species, ideal undertake technically challenging experimental approach. These experiments described eye toward probing properties synaptic ribbon--a specialized structure found only handful including well suited maintaining high rate tonic neurotransmitter release--and contributes unique first synapse.