Using Optogenetics to analyse neuronal circuits.
Dr Max Anstotz – University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Neuroanatomy
Analysing neuronal circuits is crucial for the understanding of basic and complex cortical functions. Over the last decades, many methods have emerged for the analysis of connections between neurons. Patch-Clamp electrophysiology (specifically paired-recordings), combined with post-hoc morphological analysis, is commonly used to study the local connection between neurons. The examination of a synaptically coupled neuron pair allows detailed insights into their physiology and function. Performing paired-recordings, a pre-synaptic (signal- sending) neuron is stimulated allowing the recording of evoked signals in a connected post-synaptic (signal-receiving) neuron.
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