Simultaneous Multisite Extracellular Electrophysiological Recordings During Electrical Stimulation in Anesthetized Rats

Analyzing neuronal activities is essential to deciphering the function of neural circuits. In anesthetized rodents, simultaneous multisite recording of extracellular electrophysiological activity with defined electrical stimulation is a powerful tool to dissect reciprocal relationships between brain structures. Here, we present a protocol to simultaneously record from the subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata while stimulating the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in anesthetized rats. This protocol describes the preparation of recording and stimulating electrodes, surgery setup, and detailed recording techniques. Basic post-recording data analysis methods are included as well. This protocol can be adapted to other brain areas of interest following the outlined procedures.