Characteristics of CA1 neurons recorded intracellularly in the hippocampal in vitro slice preparation.

Intracellular recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal cells in the hippocampal in vitro slice preparation. Neurons displayed characteristics previously described for the intact preparation including: EPSPs, IPSPs, depolarizing after-potentials, bursting, frequency potentiation, double pulse facilitation, and probably dendritis spiking. Cells could be discharged when orthodromic or antidromic pathways were stimulated, with injection of a depolarizing current pulse, and from iontophoresis of glutamic acid. The apparently normal behavior of the neurons makes the isolated hippocampal slice a promising cortical preparation.