A system for recording neural activity chronically and simultaneously from multiple cortical and subcortical regions in nonhuman primates

Abstract

A major goal of neuroscience is to understand the functions of networks of neurons in cognition and behavior. Recent work has focused on implanting arrays of ∼100 immovable electrodes or smaller numbers of individually adjustable electrodes, designed to target a few cortical areas. We have developed a recording system that allows the independent movement of hundreds of electrodes chronically implanted in several cortical and subcortical structures. We have tested this system in macaque monkeys, recording simultaneously from up to 127 electrodes in 14 brain regions for up to one year at a time. A key advantage of the system is that it can be used to sample different combinations of sites over prolonged periods, generating multiple snapshots of network activity from a single implant. Used in conjunction with microstimulation and injection methods, this versatile system represents a powerful tool for studying neural network activity in the primate brain.

Bursts of beta oscillation differentiate postperformance activity in the striatum and motor cortex of monkeys performing movement tasks

“…Recordings were made in two female rhesus macaque monkeys (designated HH and JB) fitted with a titanium head post and a Delrin recording chamber in which electrodes were implanted for chronic recording, Recording sites were analyzed postmortem by histological analysis, as described in detail by Feingold et al (38). The monkeys, on a food-or water-restricted diet, were trained to manipulate a joystick with the right hand in a series of center-out-center movements, the details of which were specified in each trial by an array of visual cues.…”

Development of tube tetrodes and a multi-tetrode drive for deep structure electrophysiological recordings in the macaque brain

“…Further, splaying of the tetrode tips has been a valid concern during chronic implantation (Jog et al, 2002). Because of these constraints, their use for electrophysiological recordings in primates in deep structures has been relatively sparse and just recently reported (Erickson and Desimone, 1999;Erickson et al, 2000;Feingold et al, 2012;Santos et al, 2012;Skaggs et al, 2007;Thome et al, 2012). Among these, earlier studies employed tetrodes for electrical recording in the perirhinal cortex of the macaque using a telescoping guide tube system with twisted wire tetrodes glued inside 30 gauge stainless steel tubes (Erickson and Desimone, 1999;Erickson et al, 2000).…”

“…Two further recent reports have demonstrated the ability to target several brain structures, both superficial and deep, simultaneously by developing novel microdrives (Feingold et al, 2012;Santos et al, 2012). The main limitation of the reported techniques is the larger cannulae holding the electrodes rather than the electrode itself, since both would enter the brain tissue.…”

“…(Feingold et al, 2012) to 30 gauge (OD: 0.012 in.) (Santos et al, 2012), and would cause more tissue damage in their path as compared to the probe they enclose, which is smaller in diameter (∼0.12 mm, Feingold et al, 2012;∼0.07 mm, Skaggs et al, 2007; ∼0.06 to 0.08 mm, Santos et al, 2012). These cannulae, however are essential in order to reach the distance the tetrode needs to travel in the brain without bending.…”

“…A custom drive, for holding and advancing up to 5 tetrodes independently was also developed. These novel TuTes are in size about 10-20% of that of the cannulae, which have been used in the most recent studies (Erickson and Desimone, 1999;Erickson et al, 2000;Feingold et al, 2012;Santos et al, 2012;Skaggs et al, 2007;Thome et al, 2012).…”