Spinotrode: long-term intraspinal electrophysiological recordings to unravel dorsal horn neuron dynamics in behaving mice
Recording single-unit neural activity in the spinal cord in freely moving rodents is crucial for understanding spinal network dynamics but remains challenging due to specific biomechanical constraints. So far, the vast majority of studies have been conducted in anesthetized or restrained animals, limiting the correlation of neuronal activity with naturalistic behaviours. Here we introduce the…
Single-unit neural activity recording in the spinal cord of freely moving rodents is essential for understanding spinal network dynamics, but it is difficult due to biomechanical constraints. Most studies have been performed on anesthetized or restrained animals, which restricts the correlation of neuronal activity with naturalistic behaviors.
Researchers have developed the Spinotrode, a vertebral implant capable of stably recording signals from the bilateral dorsal horns of adult mice for several weeks. The implant is designed to minimize postural constraints and allow investigation of spinal activity during sensory stimulation and motor behaviors. The Spinotrode recordings did not result in any functional impairment or tissue damage.
Using the Spinotrode, researchers identified distinct functional types of neurons associated with paw withdrawal, observed dorsal horn activity during locomotor behavior that is different from proprioception and touch, and discovered that sensory activation occurs contralaterally during nociceptive reflex responses. This finding challenges the interpretation of data obtained from studies conducted on anesthetized animals.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
