Patch-clamp

Whole-cell recordings allow a precise measurement of a single cell electrical activity by detecting sub-millisecond variations in membrane potential

​

• Extremely precise data on single cell physiology.

​

• It can be used in any brain or spinal cord structure and allows targeted recordings of specific cell types.

​

• Allow targeted pre or post synaptic manipulations specifically.

​

• Essential when studying the mechanisms of action and pharmacological profile of a compound.

​

​

Extracellular recordings

Field recordings are used to extracellularly record the activity of a population of neurons, or field potentials.

​​​​

• Several localized neuronal populations are recorded simultaneously in a given slice.

​

• Faster than patch-clamp, allows for a quick screening of several compounds or doses at mid-throughput data production.

​

​

Calcium imaging

Calcium imaging can be combined to extra- or intra-cellular recordings or be employed alone. This approach measures the activity of individual cells (e.g. expressing a calcium-dependent fluorescent dye) in culture or in slices via the identification of calcium transients. Calcium is indeed a hallmark of neuronal activity as neurotransmitter release requires significant increase in intracellular calcium levels.

​​​​

• Can be used in slices or in cultures and combined to extracellular recordings or patch-clamp

​

• Complementary approach to determine the effect of test compounds on neuronal activity and calcium channels in multiple locations simultaneously

​

Other techniques

Our capabilities include histology/immunochemistry and pharmacology as well as optogenetics combined with electrophysiology. Manipulations can be extracellular or intracellular (when using patch-clamp).

 

Depending on the context, we can perform recordings on specific transgenic animal models and employ acute or chronic compound administration. ​

​