A microwire technique for recording single neurons in unrestrained animals

Abstract

A technique is described in which bundles of 25 mu dia. insulated wires can be stereotaxically implanted for single unit recording in the brain. With this method extremely stable recordings can be obtained lasting many hours and sometimes days. The unit activity recorded with these electrodes has been found comparable with that recorded from rigid etched microelectrodes in conscious animals. The fine wire electrodes have also been found to be durable for at least a month when chronically implanted in cats. The electrode assembly is easy to construct and the electrodes are easily implanted in any region of the brain.