Miniature multichannel preamplifier for extracellular recordings of single unit activity in freely moving and swimming small animals.

The design of a miniature multichannel preamplifier for extracellular recordings of single unit activity in freely moving and swimming small animals is presented. The advantages of this design include perfect protection of the critical components and electric contacts from water. Thus, neuronal activity and EEG may be recorded differentially in any kinds of behavioral tasks including swimming in Morris water maze.

A method of extracellular recording of neuronal activity in swimming mice.

The design of a removable miniature microdrive-headstage waterproof assembly for extracellular recordings of single unit activity with high-impedance electrodes in swimming mice is presented. The assembly provides perfect protection of the critical components and electric contacts from water. Neuronal activity may be recorded even if the animal is diving and swimming under the water surface.

Miniature microdrive-headstage assembly for extracellular recording of neuronal activity with high-impedance electrodes in freely moving mice.

The design of a removable miniature microdrive-headstage assembly for extracellular recordings of single unit activity with high-impedance electrodes in freely moving small animals is presented. The advantages of this construction include simple installation and removal of the electrodes, rapid attachment of the assembly to the animal's skull and rapid removal after recording. The microdrive provides precise vertical positioning of the electrode without rotation or lateral shift, stable recordings of single units for several hours and the possibility to change the penetration track 5-10 times in the same animal.