Simultaneous Physiology and 3-D Morphology of Neurons and Glial Cells

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This project will develop an integrated confocal light microscope and electrophysiology facility for observing living astroglia and neurons in cell culture, and neurons in tissue, providing the simultaneous recording of three-dimensional images and physiologic responses for different biochemical and physiologic stimuli. Two glial cell projects utilize a well characterized model system to study biochemical and morphologic changes due to receptor stimulation, mechanical stress, and ion uptake. The neuron studies utilize isolated ganglia from Aplysia and hippocampal slices. In Aplysia voltage-clamp measurements will be correlated with three-dimensional morphology for variations in media osmolarity, ionic strength, and composition. We have demonstrated volume changes under these conditions. Local circuits and cell-to-cell communication will be studied in hippocampal slices. All of the projects utilize confocal light microscopy, and when appropriate high-voltage electron microscopy.