Voltage sensitive dye imaging of transient neuronal assemblies in brain slices under hyperbaric conditions.

Journal article

We have developed a high pressure optical cell to study large-scale transient neuronal coalitions--"assemblies" using voltage sensitive dye (VSD) fluorescence combined with fast CCD imaging of brain slices under hyperbaric conditions. The new cell has been tested at pressures up to P = 150-200 atm, corresponding to the range over which effects such as "pressure-reversal" of anaesthesia have been described previously. Brain slices were maintained in a flow of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and hyperbaric conditions were controlled to within +/- 0.2 atm using a back-pressure regulator placed in the pumping system. Preliminary VSD imaging experiments were carried out on rat hippocampal slices at pressures up to P approximately 50 atm. An electrode placed in the CA3 region was used to stimulate a signal along the Schaffer collateral towards CA1. First results indicate that good VSD data can be obtained that can be analysed to provide a new view on how hydrostatic pressurisation affects the dynamic propagation of neuronal assemblies.

Authors: Wlodarczyk, A; McMillan, P; Greenfield, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Undersea and hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 35-40
• Publication date: 2008-01-01
• ISSN: 1066-2936
• Language: English
• Keywords: Animals; Neurons; Atmosphere Exposure Chambers; Male; Rats; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Hippocampus; Equipment Design; Fluorescence; Electric Stimulation; Fluorescent Dyes; Hydrostatic Pressure