A novel technique for micro-dissection of neuronal processes

A simple system for cutting dendrites of single neurons without damaging th e viability of the cell is described. The system utilizes a rapidly vibrati ng (100 Hz) micropipette (<1 mu m tip diameter), which is dragged under dir ect visual control across the dendrite of a selected neuron. We used this s ystem in a thin slice preparation to dissect the apical dendrites of rat hi ppocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. We then used the patch-clamp technique in th e whole-cell configuration to record from the isolated somata of these cell s and to inject a dye into them. Both a functional and an anatomical discon nection of the dendrites from their somata were verified. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.