Apparatus and Method for In Vitro Recording and Stimulation of Cells
Description of Invention:
The invention is an apparatus that allows in vitro recording and stimulation of neuronal tissue using extracellular and intracellular techniques. This system enables the experimenter to combine commercially available motorized micromanipulators (used to position electrodes for intracellular recordings) with newly designed miniature micromanipulators to perform simultaneously extracellular recordings and/or stimulations. The apparatus consists of a circular plexiglas in vitro chamber, an aluminum base that allows adjustment to securely positioned preparations at various rotated positions during the course of the experiment (without having to re-position the preparation), and a set of several (maximum ten) miniaturized micromanipulators, allowing four-dimensional control. The positioning of the electrodes for extracellular recordings/stimulation is done manually without any motor control. The miniature micromanipulators can also be used to position multi-barrel electrodes for local application of pharmacological agents as well as for different purposes (mini temperature probe, pH probe, outlet or inlet tubing etc). This is a unique system that permits a practical, versatile electrophysiological setup for simultaneous extracellular and intracellular recordings. The apparatus is fully documented and ready for transfer from the laboratory to the commercial environment.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Michael Shmilovich J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5019
Email: shmilovm@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
