Acute isolation of rat superior cervical ganglion cells and identification of the electrophysiological properties / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish a method for acute isolation of rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) cells and identify the electrophysiological properties.Methods Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes,aged 5-12 days,were decapitated.The SCGs were removed quickly,and the single SCG cell was enzymatically isolated from the SCGs.When the holding potential was - 60 mV,100 μmol/L acetylcholine was applied and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor currents were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp technique.When the holding potential was 760 mV,65 mmol/L KCl was applied and quantal release of catecholamines was detected by using carbon fiber electrodes.Results SCG cells with normal electrophysiological properties were isolated.Typical nicotinic acetylcholine receptor currents and quantal release of catecholamines were recorded successfully.Conclusion The cells suitable for patch-clamp experiments can be obtained by using the method for acute isolation of rat SCG cells.