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Simultaneous whole-cell recordings from synaptically connected neurons in slices (see figure), and 2) fast agonist application techniques (see figure) for measuring currents through either recombinantly expressed or native (from neurons in slices) ligand-gated channels.

Using simultaneous paired or multiple whole-cell recordings in synaptically connected neurons one can directly measure synaptic transmission in native synapses in functionally and anatomically identified neuronal circuits. The whole-cell recordings allow to perfuse pre- and/or postsynaptic neurons with agents modifying transmitter release and/or GluR properties.

The link between properties of recombinantly expressed subunits and those of native receptors might be obtained using so called "artificial synapse" in which brief pulses of glutamate are rapidly applied to the isolated patches from the soma or dendrites of the synaptically identified target neurons. This also allows to exclude or, at least keep constant, contribution of the presynaptic site.
Combination of these approaches will allow to correlate particular functional properties of GluRs to those in native synapses and selectively study the role of both pre- and postsynaptic sites in synaptic transmission.

Reference for double and triple synaptic recordings:

Reyes A, Lujan R, Rozov A, Burnashev N, Somogyi P & Sakmann B (1998) Target-cell- specific facilitation and depression in neocortical circuits. Nature Neuroscience  1:279-285.

References for fast agonist application for recombinant and native receptor channels:

Rozov A, Zilberter Yu, Wollmuth LP & Burnashev N (1998) Facilitation of currents through rat Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor channels by activity-dependent relief from polyamine block. The Journal of Physiology  511:361-377.

Robertson SJ, Burnashev N, Edwards FA (1999) Ca2+ permeability and kinetics of glutamate receptors in rat medial habenula neurones: implications for purinergic transmission in this nucleus. The Journal of Physiology   518:539-549.


References for combination of both multiple synaptic recordings and fast application:

Rozov A & Burnashev N (1999) Polyamine-dependent facilitation of postsynaptic AMPA receptors counteracts paired-pulse depression. Nature   401:594-598.

Description of fast application techniques is in "Single channel recordings", second edition, Eds. B. Sakman and E. Neher, Plenum Press, New York, 1995.
Chapter 10 by P. Jonas.
Chapter 8 by B. Sakmann and G. Stuart.

If you interested in these techniques you can contact us to arrange a training/consulting trip of our experts.