Effect of isoflurane on cortico-cortical synapses in genetically modified mice (IMAGE)

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University

Effect of isoflurane on cortico-cortical synapses in genetically modified mice

Caption

The experiment used genetically modified mice that had a light sensitive protein (green circle), usually found in the eye, embedded in the membrane of the presynaptic neurons in one area of the brain. Flashes of blue light activated the protein and stimulated the transmission of sequences, or 'trains', of action potentials along the presynaptic neurons to another area of the brain at two different frequencies - twice per second (0.2Hz) and twice every ten seconds (2Hz). The larger reduction by isoflurane on higher frequency transmission was recorded by a silicon probe inserted into the brain.

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OIST

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