A NEW INTERFACE CHAMBER FOR THE STUDY OF MAMMALIAN NERVOUS-TISSUE SLICES

We describe a new interface-type chamber for electrophysiological stud ies in mammalian brain slices. Thermoregulation of the inner recording chamber is achieved using the Peltier effect and a feedback control u nit. Between 15 and 40 degrees C, and for perfusion rates from 1 to 5 ml/min, the temperature can be maintained within +/-0.1 degrees C of t he command value; it can also be rapidly and reliably changed. An exte rnal bath, heated by a coiled resistor, generates a humidified, oxygen ated atmosphere diffusing above the slices. Survival of neuronal tissu e is excellent and stable intracellular recordings can be obtained usi ng either sharp or patch-clamp micropipettes. Perfusion solutions can be readily exchanged, rendering this chamber suitable for the study of bath-applied neuroactive compounds.