Even before the time of organized scientific investigation, hu mans had begun pondering and attempting to explain the work ing of the brain and the mental and behavioral states it produces. In the last twenty years there has been an almost explosive in crease in brain research. Beginning perhaps with the pioneering efforts of Francis O. Schmitt to establish the Neuroscience Re search Program and the later development of the Society for Neuroscience, there has emerged a large and powerful multi disciplinary research force devoted to understanding even the ru dimentary aspects of brain functioning. Chemists, physicists, and engineers with their special expert ise in quantitative physical measurements have teamed up with the neurobiologists, who best know the texture and design of brains, to produce particularly effective new approaches. No where is this more evident than in the recently developed meth ods like positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging-techniques that allow one to observe on-going brain ac tivity in humans. This volume concerns a considerably more modest approach: the use of microelectrodes to electrochemically monitor certain aspects of chemical dynamics in functioning ani mal brain systems. The method provides signals that can be di rectly related to chemical neurotransmission. It is a relatively new technique, the first practical measurements having been made in the 1970s, and it is continuously undergoing refinement. The organizer of this book, Jay Justice, is eminently qualified for the task.

Since the first implant of a carbon microelectrode in a rat 35 years ago, there have been substantial advances in the sensitivity, selectivity and temporal resolution of electrochemical techniques. Today, these methods provide neurochemical information that is not accessible by other means. The growing recognition of the versatility of electrochemi

Efforts to measure neurotransmitters and related s- cies in living brain tissue by faradic electrochemistry began in earnest in the early 1970s. During the ensuing years, s- eral monographs and various symposia on the subject have appeared. The present volume of Neuromethods, Voltammetric Methods in Brain Systems, can be considered different from previous offerings in several respects. The methodology of in vivo electrochemistry has now reached a stable level of maturity. It is no longer necessary to convince interested re- ers that the techniques can measure, with specified degrees of reliability, certain neurotransmitters and metabolites in the extracellular fluid space. Moreover, the basic approaches of electroanalytical measurements are more widely appre- ated by neuroscientists and one need not explain in tutorial fashion the details of oxidative electrochemistry. Nevert- less, in keeping with the nature of the Neurumethods series, this is a “how to” volume and readers will find ample detail on the preparation of electrodes, practical experimental details, and the interpretation of results. But the emphasis is strongly on the application of voltammetric methods. The first two chapters deal with fundamentals inherent in employing in vivo electrochemical measures. The first - ticle offers an authoritative account of our understanding of the surface states of carbon and carbon fiber electrodes. It provides a rationale for the various pretreatments that have allowed the “tuning” of electrode properties to obtain sen- tivity and fast response times.

Modern neuroscience research is inherently multidisciplinary, with a wide variety of cutting edge new techniques to explore multiple levels of investigation. This Third Edition of Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience provides a comprehensive overview of classical and cutting edge methods including their utility, limitations, and how data are presented in the literature. This book can be used as an introduction to neuroscience techniques for anyone new to the field or as a reference for any neuroscientist while reading papers or attending talks. Nearly 200 updated full-color illustrations to clearly convey the theory and practice of neuroscience methods Expands on techniques from previous editions and covers many new techniques including in vivo calcium imaging, fiber photometry, RNA-Seq, brain spheroids, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and more Clear, straightforward explanations of each technique for anyone new to the field A broad scope of methods, from noninvasive brain imaging in human subjects, to electrophysiology in animal models, to recombinant DNA technology in test tubes, to transfection of neurons in cell culture Detailed recommendations on where to find protocols and other resources for specific techniques "Walk-through" boxes that guide readers through experiments step-by-step

The new edition of this successful reference offers both cutting-edge and classic pharmacological methods. Thoroughly revised and expanded to two volumes, it offers an updated selection of the most frequently used assays for reliably detecting the pharmacological effects of potential drugs. Every chapter has been updated, and numerous assays have been added. Each of the more than 1,000 assays comprises a detailed protocol outlining purpose and rationale, and a critical assessment of the results and their pharmacological and clinical relevance.

Basic Electrophysiological Methods provides a concise and easy-to-read guide on a selection of the most important contemporary electrophysiological techniques, their implementation, applications, and ways in which they can be combined and integrated with neuroscientific techniques. Intended for students, postdocs, and faculty with a basic neuroscience background, this text will not obscure the relevant technical details with textbook neuroscience tutorials as many other books do. Instead, each chapter provides a conscientious overview of the underlying theory -- a comprehensive description of equipment, materials, methods, data management, and analysis -- a troubleshooting guide, and a list of frequently asked questions. No book or online resource can function as strictly a DIY set of instructions on how to implement a complex technique. However, this book provides a fundamental and accessible set of information intended to form a foundation prior to, during, and after hands-on experience and training, greatly facilitating the initial learning process and subsequent fine-tuning of technical details.