Large-scale, high-density (up to 512 channels) recording of local circuits in behaving animals

J Neurophysiol. 2014 Mar;111(5):1132-49. doi: 10.1152/jn.00785.2013. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Abstract

Monitoring representative fractions of neurons from multiple brain circuits in behaving animals is necessary for understanding neuronal computation. Here, we describe a system that allows high-channel-count recordings from a small volume of neuronal tissue using a lightweight signal multiplexing headstage that permits free behavior of small rodents. The system integrates multishank, high-density recording silicon probes, ultraflexible interconnects, and a miniaturized microdrive. These improvements allowed for simultaneous recordings of local field potentials and unit activity from hundreds of sites without confining free movements of the animal. The advantages of large-scale recordings are illustrated by determining the electroanatomic boundaries of layers and regions in the hippocampus and neocortex and constructing a circuit diagram of functional connections among neurons in real anatomic space. These methods will allow the investigation of circuit operations and behavior-dependent interregional interactions for testing hypotheses of neural networks and brain function.

Keywords: behaving rats and mice; local field potential; monosynaptic connections; unit firing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / surgery
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Nerve Net / surgery
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Software