Dual intracellular recording of neocortical neurons in a neuron-glia co-culture system.

Measurement of synchronized activities in neocortical networks is critical for understanding integrated brain function. We describe here a procedure for intracellular recording of activity in two functionally connected neurons using patch electrodes in neuron-glia co-cultures. Rat neocortical neurons survive on monolayers of astrocytes for far longer periods (3-4 weeks) than in their absence. This prolonged survival facilitates the detection of functional synapses which are readily identified in vitro by means of dual intracellular recording using two patch electrodes. The neuron-glia co-culture system appears to be useful not only for studying the formation of neural networks in vitro but also for determining the effects of physiologically active substances and chemicals on synapse formation. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.