#Slice it solutions free

The use of high divalents dates from the early days of slice recording, where it was found that elevated calcium seemed to help with forming seals between cell membranes and pipette glass. Recent experiments in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body at the calyx of Held have revealed how the use of these high divalent concentrations can lead to conclusions from in vitro studies that may not apply in vivo (Lorteije et al., 2009).

While the divalent ion concentrations listed in Table 1 are common in brain slice experiments, it is important to recognize that these are significantly higher than those occurring in vivo.

#Slice it solutions free

Ascorbic acid may be required in experiments that use drugs sensitive to free radicals. Ascorbic acid acts as a free radical scavenger and may help cell survival. Sodium pyruvate and myoinositol provide alternate entry points into cellular metabolism, and their addition seems to improve cell survival. Replacing sodium ions prevents cells from spiking, reducing excitotoxic damage, and reduces the activity of Na+/K+ pumps, reducing metabolic demand. The replacement of sodium with NMDG or sucrose during slice preparation can improve the survival of cells in the slice (Tanaka et al., 2008), both in the brainstem and cortex. Experimenters often adjust their solutions for different purposes. These solutions consist of salts, pH buffers, energy sources, and divalent ions. Slice dissection and recording takes place in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) solutions (See Table 1).