Spinal Cord Slice Patch-Clamp Studies
Patch-clamp electrophysiology is an important method for investigating neuronal electrical activity and ion channel function. Spinal cord slice patch clamp enables detailed measurements of spinal neurons while preserving local tissue architecture. It is commonly used to study the basic functions of sensory input, motor regulation and local spinal circuits.
Using acute spinal cord slices, we perform standardized patch-clamp experiments focused on passive membrane properties, neuronal excitability and basic synaptic activity. Measurements include action potentials (APs) and excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), supporting pain-mechanism research, motor-control studies and early compound screening.
Applications
- Pain-mechanism research: evaluate changes in the excitability and synaptic activity of spinal dorsal horn neurons.
- Basic neuromodulation research: characterize the electrophysiological properties of local spinal neurons.
- Preliminary compound screening: measure candidate-compound effects on neuronal firing and synaptic currents.
Spinal Cord Slice Patch-Clamp Recording Services
A typical experiment includes acute slice preparation, incubation and recovery, microscopic identification of neurons, and patch-clamp recording. Standardized procedures support stable electrophysiological measurements under conditions that approximate the physiological state.
This service primarily supports rodent models and focuses on basic electrophysiological parameters for mechanistic exploration and early-stage research. It does not imply that every brain-slice model or advanced circuit assay is also available in spinal cord preparations.
- Assessment of passive and active neuronal electrical properties.
- Recording and analysis of basic synaptic currents.
- Comparison of electrophysiological parameters before and after drug treatment.
